What Is a Misplaced Modifier and How Do I Fix It?
A word, phrase, or clause that defines another sentence section is known as a modifier. When a modifier is put incorrectly and not in a suitable relationship with the word, phrase, or clause meant to be described, it is known as a misplaced modifier.
Harry made history as the first student to achieve a 100 per cent score in his 10th grade.
In this case, the placement of the modifier ‘in his 10th grade’ makes it appear that Harry was the first student to score 100 per cent in the 10th grade.
The modifier should be inserted next to the clause it applies to, not before it. Neil Armstrong created history.
- In his 10th grade, Harry made history as the first student to achieve a 100 per cent score.
- Harry made history in his 10th grade as the first student to achieve a 100 per cent score.
How to correct a misplaced modifier?
Placing the modifier directly before or after the word or phrase it is modifying can readily repair a misplaced modifier.
|
Misplaced modifier |
Corrected |
|
The boy presented a sandwich to the man that was half cooked. |
The boy presented a half-cooked sandwich to the man. The boy presented a sandwich that was half-cooked to the man. |
|
The majority of participants ordered a snack from the counter that had high sugar. |
The majority of participants ordered a snack that had high sugar from the counter. The majority of participants ordered from the counter a snack that had high sugar. |
|
He came home and fell on the bed covered with dirt. |
Covered in dirt, he came home and fell on the bed. He came home covered with dirt and fell on the bed. |
|
In spite of garnering much critical applause, theatre sales of the play were unsuccessful. |
In spite of garnering much critical applause, the play was unsuccessful at the theatres. |
Adverb position
Especially, almost, just, nearly, and only are examples of adverbs that can slightly alter a sentence’s meaning depending on where they are used, frequently leading to ambiguity or confusion. Read the below section of the article on a misplaced modifier to understand the correct placement of word.
Pay attention to whatever word or phrase your adverbs are altering to make your sentences as clear as possible.
|
Adverb position |
Meaning |
|
For the research, Mary only spoke to French-speaking people. |
Mary only conducted an interview with French speakers (such as holding focus groups or distributing questionnaires). |
|
For the research, Mary spoke with only French speakers. |
Mary spoke with people who could speak French and not people who spoke other languages. |
|
Due to the head injury, he almost forgot every memory of the accident. |
He was at risk of forgetting the accident. |
|
Due to the head injury, he forgot almost every memory of the accident. |
She largely forgot many, but not all, about the accident. |
Modifiers which are ambiguous
Even though a modifier is positioned adjacent to the appropriate clause in the sentence, it must not be ambiguous. For example, there are times when a modifier is positioned so that it might change both the words before and after, confusing the meaning of the phrase.
The pair decided during lunch they would inform about their marriage.
Did the two reach the decision during lunch? Or will they reveal it while they are having lunch? The placement of the modifier, ‘during the lunch,’ is creating uncertainty.
An ambiguous modifier can be made clearer by relocating it to a different part of the sentence or rephrasing the statement. Sometimes, the term ‘that’ can differentiate the modifier from the phrase it wants to change.
|
Ambiguous |
Unambiguous |
|
The pair decided during lunch they would inform about their marriage. |
The pair decided they would inform about their marriage during lunch. During lunch, the pair decided they would inform their marriage. The pair decided that during lunch they would inform about their marriage. |
|
I advised Sam when the classes were over, we would go for an outing. |
When the classes were over, I advised Sam we would go for an outing. I advised Sam we would go for the outing when the classes were over. I advised Sam when the classes were over that, we would go for an outing. |
We hope this article on misplaced modifiers; will help you write correct sentences.
Total Assignment Help
Incase, you are looking for an opportunity to work from home and earn big money. TotalAssignmenthelp Affiliate program is the best choice for you.
Do visit : https://www.totalassignmenthelp.com/affiliate-program for more details
Total Assignment help is an assignment help online service available in 9 countries. Our local operations span across Australia, US, UK, South east Asia and the Middle East. With extensive experience in academic writing, Total assignment help has a strong track record delivering quality writing at a nominal price that meet the unique needs of students in our local markets.
We have specialized network of highly trained writers, who can provide best possible assignment help solution for all your needs. Next time you are looking for assignment help, make sure to give us a try.
