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GRAMMAR Misplaced Modifiers 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase or clause that is awkwardly placed in the sentence so that it does not describe what the writer wanted it to describe. A misplaced modifier is placed so that it does not modify what it is intended to modify. What is Misplaced Modifier? 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills Example: The duke pointed out the portrait of his last duchess to the guests mounted on the wall. The modifier, mounted on the wall, is misplaced because it implies that the guests are mounted on the wall rather than the portrait of the last duchess. Revision: The duke pointed out to his guests the portrait of his last duchess mounted on the wall. Misplaced Modifier 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills 1. Place modifying words carefully. Words such as only, nearly, rarely, just, simply, occasionally, and hardly, should always come immediately before the words they modify, or confusion results. Strategies for Revising Misplaced Modifiers: 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills Example: Students who seek their instructors' advice often can improve their grades. Revision: Students who often seek their instructor's advice can improve their grades. or Revision: Students who seek their instructor's advice can often improve their grades. Strategies for Revising Misplaced Modifiers: 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills 2. Place misplaced phrases in their correct position: Strategies for Revising Misplaced Modifiers: 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills Example: The learned scholar taught a course last semester in sexual harassment at Emory University. Revision: Last semester at Emory University, the learned scholar taught a course in sexual harassment. or Revision: Last semester, the learned scholar taught a course "Sexual Harrassment at Emory University." Strategies for Revising Misplaced Modifiers: 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills 3. Place misplaced dependent clauses in their correct position: Example: The sexual abstinence program will reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases which will benefit everyone. Revision: The sexual abstinence program, which will benefit everyone, will reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseased. Strategies for Revising Misplaced Modifiers: 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills Example: The sexual abstinence program will reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases which will benefit everyone. Revision: The sexual abstinence program, which will benefit everyone, will reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseased. Strategies for Revising Misplaced Modifiers: 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills www.writingcenter.emory.edu/documents/ modifiers Source of this presentation: 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills THE END 12/04/2010 AcademicWritingSkills
