Comparative and Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

What is a modifier? A modifier is a word, a phrase, or a clause that adds more specific meaning to a word or word group. – Adjective modifier: The fans gave a loud cheer! – Adverb modifier: The fans cheered loudly!

Modifiers: Comparative Adjectives & Adverbs Comparative adjectives compare two nouns or pronouns frequently using the word than. Comparative adverbs are used to compare the actions or states of being of two nouns or pronouns. Both are often formed by adding er to the modifier or more or less in front of the modifier.

Comparative Examples Paul is taller than John. Trey is more handsome than his brother Lance runs fast, but Matt runs faster. She skied less confidently after the accident on the slopes

Modifiers: Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs Superlative adjectives and adverbs are the same as comparative except they compare three or more nouns or pronouns by adding est to the modifier or most or least in front of the modifier.

Superlative Examples Mom’s apple pie is the best dessert at the party. Aunt Jane was the least upset when the spilled coffee stained her tablecloth Naomi finished the quickest Maria was the most appreciative of all the children for the toys.

Special Modifiers Use good to modify a noun or jpronoun, and use well to modify a verb. The weather is good today. The trees are growing well this spring.

Misplaced Modifiers A misplaced modifier is a modifier that seems to modify or describe the wrong word in a sentence. Modifiers can be words, phrases, and clauses, and they should be as close as possible to the words they modify.

The basketball player from Cincinnati gave a TV interview for his fans. (The phrase modifies player) The basketball player gave a TV interview for his fans from Cincinnati. (The phrase modifies fans) From Cincinnati the basketball player gave a TV interview for his fans. (The phrase modifies gave.)

Misplaced Modifiers Misplaced modifiers can chang ethe meaning of a sentence. Incorrect: Ringing, everyone glared at the man with the cell phone Correct: Everyone glared at the man with the ringing cell phone

Dangling Modifiers A dangling modifier is a modifier that does not clearly modify another word ina sentence From Paulding County, the students did well in the academic competitions. Yesterday, I captured an elephant in my pajamas How did an elephant fit into someone’s pajamas?

She is the funnier of the two comedians. Kendo, a Japanese martial art, is more gracefuller than many other sports. No one in our class can play volleyball as good as Sylvia Patterson. The poster caught my eye on the wall.

P. 537 exercise 2 #1-10 P. 225 #1-5 P. 542 exercise 5 #1-5