misplaced modifiers 11/18/14. misplaced modifiers a word, phrase, or clause that seems to modify the...
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Misplaced Modifiers
11/18/14
Misplaced Modifiers
A word, phrase, or clause that seems to modify the wrong word or word group in a sentence is a misplaced modifier.
Examples of Misplaced Modifiers
I shot an elephant wearing my pajamas.
Examples of Misplaced Modifiers
I shot an elephant wearing my pajamas.
paulabecker.com
The phrase “wearing my pajamas” is a participle phrase.
The phrase “wearing my pajamas” is a participle phrase.
A participle phrase begins with a participle (either present or past participle) and gives additional information about something in the sentence.
The phrase “wearing my pajamas” is a participle phrase.
A present participle ends in -ing.
The phrase “wearing my pajamas” is a participle phrase.
A present participle ends in -ing.
A past participle usually ends in -ed.
The phrase “wearing my pajamas” is a participle phrase.
Wearing is a present participle.
The phrase “wearing my pajamas” is a participle phrase that is modifying the noun elephant.
Examples of Misplaced Modifiers
I read about the bank robbers who were captured this morning in the library.
Examples of Misplaced Modifiers
I read about the bank robbers who were captured this morning in the library.
The phrase “in the library” is a prepositional phrase.
The phrase “in the library” is a prepositional phrase.
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition (a relational word that usually gives information about time or location)…
The phrase “in the library” is a prepositional phrase.
A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition (a relational word that usually gives information about time or location) and ends with a noun or pronoun.
The phrase “in the library” is a prepositional phrase.
Prepositional phrases usually give information about when or where something happens.
How to do you correct a misplaced modifier?
How to do you correct a misplaced modifier?
Place the modifying word, phrase, or clause as close as possible to the word it modifies.
How to Correct a Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced: I shot an elephant wearing my pajamas.
paulabecker.com
How to Correct a Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced: I shot an elephant wearing my pajamas.
How to Correct a Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced: I shot an elephant wearing my pajamas.
Correct: Wearing my pajamas, I shot an elephant.
How to Correct a Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced: I shot an elephant wearing my pajamas.
Correct: Wearing my pajamas, I shot an elephant.
While wearing my pajamas, I shot an elephant.
How to Correct a Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced: I read about the bank robbers who were captured this morning in the library.
How to Correct a Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced: I read about the bank robbers who were captured this morning in the library.
How to Correct a Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced: I read about the bank robbers who were captured this morning in the library.
Correct: In the library, I read about the bank robbers who were captured this morning.
Exercises
11/18/14
Rewrite the following sentences so that they are clear and unambiguous.
1. The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems.
2. Two cars were reported stolen by the Farmingdale police yesterday.
3. Please take time to look over the brochure that is enclosed with your family.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
1. The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
1. The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
1. The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems.
What the writer thinks it says: The patient has emotional problems.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
1. The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems.
What the writer thinks it says: The patient has emotional problems.
What the sentence really says: The psychologist has emotional problems.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
1. The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems.
Correction: The patient with several emotional problems was referred to a psychologist.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
2. Two cars were reported stolen by the Farmingdale police yesterday.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
2. Two cars were reported stolen by the Farmingdale police yesterday.
Correction: Yesterday, the Farmingdale police reported that two cars were stolen.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
3. Please take time to look over the brochure that is enclosed with your family.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
3. Please take time to look over the brochure that is enclosed with your family.
Correction: Please take time to look over the enclosed brochure with your family.
Read more: Common Usage Dilemmas: Misplaced Modifiers: Lost and Found | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/misplaced-modifiers-lost-found.html#ixzz2mQCQD3zl
Misplaced Modifier Practice
11/19/14
Misplaced Modifier Practice11/19
1. Exhausted, a good night’s rest was what the hikers needed.
2. I’m lucky because I feel I can always talk about my problems with my dad.
3. Rosa Parks calmly refused to move to the back of the bus with quiet dignity.
Misplaced Modifier Practice11/19
1. Exhausted, a good night’s rest was what the hikers needed.
Misplaced Modifier Practice11/19
1. Exhausted, a good night’s rest was what the hikers needed.
A good night’s rest was what the exhausted hikers needed.
Misplaced Modifier Practice11/19
2. I’m lucky because I feel I can always talk about my problems with my dad.
Misplaced Modifier Practice11/19
2. I’m lucky because I feel I can always talk about my problems with my dad.
I’m lucky because I feel I can always talk with my dad about my problems.
Misplaced Modifier Practice11/19
3. Rosa Parks calmly refused to move to the back of the bus with quiet dignity.
Misplaced Modifier Practice11/19
3. Rosa Parks calmly refused to move to the back of the bus with quiet dignity.
With quiet dignity, Rosa Parks calmly refused to move to the back of the bus.