Interrupting Modifier Between S and V

Subject (,) modifier (,) verb.Subject – modifier – verb.

Sentence Type #2

The Use of ModifiersO Writers use modifiers to:

O Add DescriptionO Vary StructureO Emphasize DetailsO Increase Readability

The Use of ModifiersO Writers should aim for variety in the

length, type, and location of modifiers.O Participial Phrase: often begins with

an “-ing” form of a verbO Appositive Phrase: identifies or

renames an adjacent noun or pronounO Absolute Phrase: resembles a

complete sentence with a missing auxiliary verb

Participial PhrasesO Quickly he builds a small fire and

then skins the rat, shaving off the skin a strip at a time. - Jennifer Toth

O My parents were still at the table, drinking coffee. - Annie Dillard

O Nudging the shade aside with the rifle barrel, I followed people in my sights as they walked or drove along the street. - Tobias Wolff

Appositive PhrasesO He walks behind a raised bunker, a

ten-foot-high concrete wall that once served as a rest and tool shack for track maintenance workers. - Jennifer Toth

O It was a helter-skelter stampede, a headlong rush in circles. - Paul Auster

O A thin, tough, leathery membrane that encases the brain, the dura is dark pink, almost red. - David Noonan

Absolute PhrasesO Feet squeaking on the floor, we

worked out until I had the moves down cold. -Tobias Wolff

O "Right or left?" I yell into the darkness, my fright verging on panic. - Jennifer Toth

O His head is shaved, his eyes and nose taped shut. - David Noonan

Sentence Type #2 (,)

Subject, Modifier, Verb.

O A small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, can make millions think.

O Donuts and Danish pastries, popular breakfast foods, contain little nutrition.

O Typewriters, once common in schools and offices, are rarely seen or used now.

Sentence Type #2 (–)

Subject, Modifier, Verb.

O Wolves – once feared and killed – are being reintroduced into the environment.

O The Mustangs – fighting and struggling – came from behind to win the game.

Sentence Type #2O As a class, we will fill in the blanks:O The students, _____________________,

did not want to read The Odyssey.O Odysseus, with ___________________,

was able to defeat the one-eyed giant, Polyphemus.

O The teacher – _____________________ – wanted her students to do their best.

Sentence Check: Got it?

O If you get confused as to whether or not you have a complete sentence, there is a trick to figure it out.

Sentence Check: Got it?

O Take the middle part, the modifier:O The angry student, throwing

papers and stomping, refused to do their work.

Sentence Check: Got it?

O …and do this: (Delete the modifier!)O The angry student, throwing

papers and stomping, refused to do their work.

O The angry student refused to do their work.

O The commas go away and it turns into a subject + verb sentence.

Sentence Type #2O You should now have the ability to

write a sentence that contains a modifier.

O Remember the trick to check whether or not it is a complete sentence…DELETE THE MODIFIER!

O We will create a sentence wall and the patterns will remain on the wall for the year. Soon…I promise.