Misplaced Modifiers

 

Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word it modifies / describes. Because of the separation, sentences with this error often sound awkward, ridiculous, or confusing.

—  Example 1:

Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary's presents were all picked up and admired by Mary many times throughout the day.

Here, this sentence makes it seem as though Mary's presents were eagerly awaiting Mary's birthday. Since presents can't exhibit the emotion of feeling eager, it's unlikely that this modifier is written correctly. The most logical explanation is that Mary was eagerly awaiting her own birthday. The sentence should be rewritten so the modifier actually modifies Mary.

Correction: Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary picked up and admired her presents many times throughout the day.

—  Example 2:

Tired of all of the nights in hotels, delight overcame by Mitch when his boss finally said he didn't have to travel anymore.

Here, "delight" is being modified by the phrase "tired of all of the nights in hotels." Unfortunately, "delight" can't be tired, because delight isn't a person. Instead, it is more likely that "Mitch" is tired. We can correct this sentence by moving the proper subject next to the modifier.

Correction: Tired of all of the nights in hotels, Mitch was delighted when his boss finally said he didn't have to travel anymore.

—  Example 3:

Children's Paper Plates

She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates.

This sentence makes it seem like the children were on paper plates. The goal is to modify the sandwiches.

Correction: She served the children sandwiches on paper plates.

Author:

Dr L Suresh

Assistant Professor of English

Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science

Coimbatore - 20

Contact: 9944138137

e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in