Grammar Lesson: Lesson Twenty-four Alexandra García-Chico Carolina Casellas Rafael Lugo Ricardo Arriaga

What is a Misplaced Modifier? improperly Basically any word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word it modifies or describes. These words, phrases, or clauses that are not placed close enough to the words they are supposed to modify cause needless ambiguity. By incorrectly placing words, one can make the sentence seem even illogical.

For example… don’t do this: To avoid confusion in a sentence, don’t do this: with the red shirt. Ex: The kid was behaving in an onerous manner and was sent to the principal’s office with the red shirt. do this: Instead, do this: with the red shirt Ex: The kid with the red shirt was behaving in an onerous manner and was sent to the principal’s office.

Other examples… Don’t do this: Don’t do this: for a week. Ex: The dog’s owner was remiss in not feeding the dog so he was fined for the offense for a week. Instead: Instead: for a week Ex:The dog's owner was remiss in not feeding the dog for a week so he was fined for the offense.

Don’t do this: Don’t do this: Ex: just Ex: Because it was mandatory for us just to attend the family reunion it didn’t mean that after we couldn’t go out with our friends. Instead: Instead: Ex: Just Ex: Just because it was mandatory for us to attend the family reunion didn’t mean that after that we couldn’t go out with our friends.

By placing words or word phrases incorrectly, the meaning of the sentence can change completely. By placing words or word phrases incorrectly, the meaning of the sentence can change completely. Don’t do this: Don’t do this: in paying the bills. Ex: Cara admitted that her negligence had led her to be thrown out of her own house in paying the bills. Do this: Do this: in paying the bills Ex: Cara admitted that her negligence in paying the bills led her to be thrown out of her own house.

Misplaced phrases may cause a sentence to sound awkward and make no sense at all. Misplaced phrases may cause a sentence to sound awkward and make no sense at all. Don’t do this: Don’t do this: only days Ex: The incumbent president had to wait for his inauguration in order to officially be the new president only days. Instead: Instead: only days Ex:The incumbent president had to wait only days for his inauguration to officially be the new president.

Don’t do this: Don’t do this: in a black robe. Ex: The judge called the man feckless for not having a job to pay child support in a black robe. Instead: Instead: in a black robe Ex: The judge in a black robe called the man feckless for not having a job to pay child support.

Don’t do this: Don’t do this: by default. Ex: Our team won because our opponent never showed up to play by default. Instead: Instead: by default Ex: Our team won by default because our opponent never showed up to play.

Don’t do this: Don’t do this: with hope Ex: Sofia entered her marriage to succeed in a lifetime commitment with hope. Instead: Instead: with hope Ex:Sofia entered her marriage with hope to succeed in a lifetime commitment.

Don’t do this: Don’t do this: of the girls. Ex: Susie was accountable to Ms. Fernandez for the rooms that she cleaned of the girls. Instead: Instead: of the girls Ex: Susie was accountable to Ms. Fernandez for the rooms of the girls that she cleaned.