Using Modifiers Correctly

In English, the position of a word within a sentence often establishes the word’s relationship to other words in the sentence. In particular, modifiers should be placed as close as possible to what they modify. If a modifier is placed too far from the word it modifies, the meaning may be lost or obscured. Notice, in the following sentences, the ambiguity that results when the modifying phrases are misplaced:

• UNCLEAR: Workers meet to discuss the problem of inefficiency in the office.
• CLEAR: Workers meet in the office to talk about the problem of inefficiency.

• UNCLEAR: Even a great athlete might only practice a little during the off-season.
• CLEAR: Even a great athlete might practice only a little during the off-season.

In addition to misplaced modifiers, watch for dangling modifiers: modifiers whose intended referents are not even present.

• INCORRECT: Coming out of context, Peter was startled by Julia’s perceptiveness.
• CORRECT: Julia’s remark, coming out of context, startled Peter with its perceptiveness.

Using Modifiers Correctly Practice Set

Read the following sentences and revise to correct the faulty modification.

1. Inspired by Zelda Sayre, excerpts of her diaries ended up in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels.

2. Having been an avid lifelong reader, a bookstore with a café seems like heaven on earth to me.