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The misplaced or dangling modifier problem

The misplaced or dangling modifier problem. Modifiers are words, phrases or clauses that add to the meaning of your sentence. Examples of modifiers: One-word modifier: Safeway suggested changes. Safeway suggested radical changes. A modifier phrase:

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The misplaced or dangling modifier problem

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  1. The misplaced or dangling modifier problem EN112 BMCC Melis

  2. Modifiers are words, phrases or clauses that add to the meaning of your sentence Examples of modifiers: • One-word modifier: Safeway suggested changes. Safeway suggested radical changes. • A modifier phrase: Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company, suggested changes. Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company, suggested changes in its health insurance policy. • A modifier clause: When the fiscal year ended with a deficit, Safeway suggested changes. EN112 BMCC Melis

  3. Modifiers work best when they are closest to the word they modify • When the fiscal year ended with a deficit, Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company, suggested radical changes in its health insurance policy. • In its health insurance policy, Safeway, the Chicago based insurance company, suggested radical changes when the fiscal year ended with a deficit. EN112 BMCC Melis

  4. One-word modifiers (“only,” “hardly” “almost” etc.) radically change meaning when they are moved COMPARE: I paid almost $5,000 for the car repair. I almost paid $5,000 for the car repair. Only John wears a tuxedo in the office. John wears only a tuxedo in the office. John wears a tuxedo only in the office. John wears his only tuxedo in the office. EN112 BMCC Melis

  5. When modifiers are misplaced, the sentence does not communicate its intended meaning • Ann walked the dog wearing high heels. • Wearing high heals, Ann walked the dog. • The man kept an eye on the toddler, sitting on a bench and smoking a cigar. • Sitting on a bench and smoking a cigar, the man kept an eye on the toddler. EN112 BMCC Melis

  6. Which modifier is placed correctly? • Pregnant and tired looking, the old man gave his seat to the young woman. • The old man gave his seat to the pregnant and tired looking young woman. • Dressed in white satin, the father walked the bride down the aisle. • The father walked the bride, who was dressed in white satin, down the aisle. • Dressed in white satin, the bride was walked down the isle by her father. EN112 BMCC Melis

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