A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes another word or group of words. In Unit 4, you reviewed how to use relative clauses as modifiers. Here are some other examples of various types of modifiers.
- I clearly remember telling Bella to be here at 6 PM. (word)
- The man in the corner is Paul’s Best Man. (phrase)
- The group of students who are presenting today are all in their first year. (clause)
Used properly, modifiers can add detail and clarity to your writing. However, there are two main kinds of mistakes you should watch for when using them. The first is putting the modifier in the wrong place in the sentence (called a misplaced modifier), and the second is using a modifier that isn’t connected to any other part of the sentence (called a dangling modifier).
Misplaced Modifiers
Look at the following examples. Where are the modifiers? What are they trying to describe?
- There was a statue in front of the library that many people were upset about.
- She would almost read to me every night before bed.
- Climbing a tree, my grandmother saw her cat.
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