Modifying Phrases

By Abhishek Tomar on Aug 24, 2009 with Comments 0

In the previous chapter we have discussed about how to find a modifying phrase. just recollect what we have discussed. If you find out a sentences stated in two parts of which first part is separated with COMMA than be alert about the modifiers.

Dangling Modifiers

Dangling modifiers are nouns that are generally omitted that modify the sentences. These dangling modifiers are generally not written as they are understood without stating. Best way to understand is the example

Using the latest technology, the mechanical problem was identified quickly.

Now move step by step.

• Is this sentence have two parts, yes.
• Is this sentence separated by comma, yes
• Is this statement modifying the later part of the sentence, yes

So the conclusion is it come under modifiers and that to phrase modifiers. Now its time to find out the .problem. The first part is talking about the noun which should have been stated in the later part of the sentences, but it is not. “Using the latest technology” who? “The engineer”. Now the sentence is correct which is written in this clear manner

Using the latest technology, the engineer identified the problem quickly.

Misplaces Modifiers

Till now we have been studying about the modifiers that were not stated and has to be applied but what happen when the modifiers are mention in the sentence but are wrongly places, then it is known as misplaces modifiers. This is generally the reverse of the Dangling Modifiers. Here the modifiers are stated directly next to the modifying phrase but they are wrong in nature. Let see an example

Upon leaving the register, the cashier handed the customer a receipt

What is wrong here. “Upon leaving the register ” who left the register THE CUSTOMER and not THE CASHIER. now correct the sentence.

Upon leaving the register, the customer received a receipt from the cashier.

Remember: The modifying phrase should not be separated from the noun that it modifies. The modifying phrase and the noun should be as close as possible.

Example

Mandy is happy, like all her friends, to be on vacation.

Here the modifying phrase ” like all her friends” modify Mandy but is is not close enough and may be termed as wrong. We can rewrite the above statement as follows.

Mandy, like all her friends, is happy to be on vacations

(OR)

Like all her friends, Mandy is happy to be on vacation.

here is another example

James biked along a dirty road to get his house, which was long and windy, and cut through the woods

As the noun ” House” is near the modifying phrase “which was long and windy, and cut through the woods” it is wrong as “which was long and windy, and cut through the woods” is telling about the “Dirty road” so we can rewrite the sentence as follows

In order to get to his house, Jim biked along a dirty road, which was long and cut through the woods