Modifiers

Modifiers

A working definition for the word “modify” is to change or to alter something. This definition is the same when considering the purpose of modifiers within a sentence. A modifier changes, clarifies, qualifies or limits a particular word in a sentence in order to intensify its presence within a body of work.

The great southern American writer, William Faulkner, is notorious for writing with multiple layers of modifiers in order to engage his audience. Consider the following passage from his novel The Sound and Fury:

“He said time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life” (p 85).

Like most writing techniques, modifiers can be brilliant when used correctly and effectively. On the other hand, if a modifier is used incorrectly the meaning of the sentence can become blurred or distorted.

What are Modifiers

Modifiers are words or phrases that give additional detail about the subject discussed in a sentence. Since these words enhance the reception of a sentence, they tend to be describing words such as adjectives and adverbs. In addition, phrases that modify tend to describe adjectives and adverbs, such as adjective clauses and adverbial phrases. They equip the writer with the capability to provide the reader with the most accurate illustration words can allow. For example, a writer can write a simple sentence that states the facts and nothing more, such as “Sarah was voted prom queen.” If the writer chooses to utilize modifiers, the sentence could read as follows:

“The blond girl named Sarah, who was a foreign exchange student from England, quickly climbed the ladder of popularity during her junior year, smiling her way through cheerleading and an ASB presidency term she inched near the top and was a sure fit as junior prom queen.”

The additional details in the sentence, by way of modifiers, engage the reader and hold their attention.

Problems with Modifiers

Problematic modifiers are sneaky and difficult to detect. They are most likely to occur when writers are more focused on gathers and organizing their thoughts as they compose their first draft. As a result, problematic modifiers can happen with the most experienced of writers. Experienced writers recognize that revision is an essential component of the writing process; and therefore, tend not to worry about any problems with modifiers while they draft. Problems with modifiers also tend to occur with the usage of the passive voice, with limiters such as “only” and “sometimes” and with sentences that begin with long modifiers. It is important to ensure modifiers are used correctly and effectively in these instances.

When faced with a confusing sentence at the hands of an ineffectively used modifier, the subject, noun or pronoun being discussed must be considered. Once the subject, noun or pronoun is identified, ensure it is placed close to the modifier. This will help avoid any ambiguous or unclear meanings.

Misplaced Modifiers: words

Some modifiers add descriptive elements to specific subjects or objects. Modifiers acting as words tend to be adjectives or adverbs. Problems occur when a modifier acting as a word is placed too far from the noun or pronoun it modifies. This often results in confusion or unintentional humor. For example, consider the following sentence.

“They bought a car for my sister they call Pumpkin.”

With this sentence structure, the sister is named Pumpkin and not the car. This confusion and unintentional humor is the result of a misplaced modifier. To correct this error, move the modifier close to the noun it modifies. Therefore, the sentence should be revised as follows:

“They bought a car they call Pumpkin for my sister.”

The best way to correct misplaced modifiers acting as words is to place the modifier before the noun or pronoun it is describing.

Misplaced Modifiers: phrases and clauses

Some writers use modifiers that act as phrases and clauses to create an accurate illustration for their readers. Such phrases and clauses could include the following:

Adjective clauses: modifies nouns and pronouns

Adverb clauses: modifies a verb, adjective or another adverb

Absolute phrases: modifies a whole clause or sentence

Infinitive phrases: functions as an adjective, adverb or noun

Participle phrases: functions as an adjective and modifies nouns

Prepositional phrases: a preposition that modifies a noun or pronoun

Similar to modifiers acting as adjective or adverbs, modifiers acting as a phrase or clause should be placed close to the subject it modifies. Consider the following sentence.

“I read the school colors were changed in our weekly paper.”

The structure of this sentence implies the weekly paper changed the school colors. This sentence should be revised as follows:

“I read in the weekly paper that the school colors were changed.”

Dangling Modifiers

A modifier is considered dangling when it has been left hanging by an identifiable subject or noun. The end result is a modifier that is woven into the fabric of a sentence by an apprentice. This occurs when a subject being modified is not mentioned within the sentence. For example:

“When picking the right college or university, many options must be weighed.”

The modifier, “when picking the right college or university”, implies the noun will be a person. The actual subject “options” can not perform the action of “picking”. The modifier is considered dangling because the sentence does not contain a logical subject. The sentence should be revised as follows:

“When picking the right college or university, students should weigh their options.”

Dangling modifiers can be corrected by providing the modifier with a specific and appropriate subject, noun or pronoun. The logical word performing the modified action should be named in the modifier or in the remainder of the sentence somewhere in the subject.

Limiting Modifiers

Limiting modifiers such as “only” and “always” enforce restrictions on the subject, noun or pronoun they immediately precede. The following is a list of other words considered to be limiting modifiers:

Just

Almost

Hardly

Not barely

At first

Simply

If a limiting modifier does not precede the subject or noun, the meaning of an entire sentence is changed. Notice the difference in the following sentences:

Only Jessica wants pizza.

This sentence implies that Jessica is the only person in a group who wants pizza.

Jessica only wants pizza.

On the other hand, this sentence indicates Jessica wants pizza and nothing else.

The best way to ensure a limited modifier is effectively used in a sentence is to consider the meaning that is to be conveyed and ensure the subject or noun associated with that meaning is placed immediately after the limited modifier.

Squinting Modifiers

A squinting modifier is another type of problem involving its placement in a sentence. The Standard English dialect is very strict with the placement of words within a sentence. Therefore, the placement of a modifier within in a sentence is equally important.

A squinting modifier is determined by the ambiguity of its placement. Generally speaking, the squinting modifier can be found in the middle of a sentence. The problem is when it becomes unclear if the modifier describes that which comes immediately before, or that which comes immediately after. Consider the following sentence:

“Writers who revise their work often can recognize their mistakes.”

The sentence has two possible meanings; writers revise often or they often recognize their mistakes. The best way to correct this sentence is to move the modifier, “often”, so that the sentence becomes clear. Consider the two possible revisions:

“Writers who revise their work can often recognize their mistakes.” Or

“Writers who often revise their work can recognize their mistakes.”

Notice that in both revised sentences, the modifier “often” is placed immediately before the word it modifies.

Split Infinitives

Contrary to popular belief, there is no written grammatical rule forbidding the usage of split infinitives. One famous split infinitive comes from the Star Trek opening, “To boldly go where no man has gone before.” A split infinitive is when an adverb or adverbial phrase is placed between “to” and the verb. The unwritten rule is that “to split” has to stay together as one package when used in a sentence.

Although there is no written rule against split infinitives, they are still frowned upon in formal writing situations. Therefore, split infinitives are best left out of a sentence. However, it is not wise to mangle a sentence simply to avoid splitting an infinitive. Consider the following sentences:

“I plan to enjoy really Grad Night.” or “I plan to really enjoy Grad Night.”

In this instance, keeping the infinitive “to enjoy” as one complete package would be awkward.