A modifier that is not close enough to the word it is modifying is called a “misplaced modifier”. Modifiers need to be as close as possible to the words that they describe. Readers will expect this, and – if you don’t follow this general rule – you may actually change the sentence’s meaning (sometimes in a manner that makes the sentence embarrassing, strange, or humorous).
First, identify the modifier and the word it refers to. Then, make sure that the modifier is as close as possible to the word that it is describing.
- The supervisor told me they needed someone who could drive a Caterpillar 797 badly.
Is a company hiring people to drive badly? Or does this company urgently need someone able to drive one of the largest trucks in the world well? The modifier badly belongs next to needed.
- The supervisor told me they badly needed someone who could drive a Caterpillar 797.
Words that are commonly misplaced:
- almost
- nearly
- just
- only
- even
- hardly
- merely
- scarcely
- On her way home, Betty found a gold man's watch.
- On her way home, Betty found a man's gold watch.
Exercise
Open the exercise to begin the activity. Follow the instructions in the document.