Misused Modifiers

Modifiers are words or phrases that change the meaning of a sentence. Correct use of modifiers is important because they determine how the reader understands the sentence. Modifiers add an element of description or definition to the sentence. If modifiers are placed in the wrong part of the sentence or are missing completely, the reader will be confused.

• Incorrect: Looking into the sky, some birds are flying around.

• Correct: As I looked into the sky, I saw birds flying around.

• Correct: Looking into the sky, I see birds flying around.

• Incorrect: Just twenty new people just volunteered just for the sea turtle rescue program just for the spring.

• Correct: Only twenty new people recently volunteered to help with the sea turtle rescue program during the spring.