Explanation
What is a Modifier? A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes or clarifies another word in a sentence. It answers What kind? Which one? How? When? Modifiers must be placed correctly to avoid confusion. Types of Modifiers Single-word modifiers: Adjectives & Adverbs. Phrase modifiers: Prepositional, Participial, Infinitive. Clause modifiers: Relative clauses & Adverbial clauses. Coordinate vs Cumulative Adjectives Coordinate: Equal partners. You can switch them, insert "and", and MUST use a comma. The gigantic, enormous box. Cumulative: Build upon each other in a fixed order. You cannot switch them, and NO comma is used. A beautiful large old rectangular white wooden dining table. (Order: Opinion, Size, Age, Shape, Color, Origin, Material, Purpose). Adverb Placement Before adjectives/adverbs (deeply moved). After verbs (speaks fluently). Before the main verb (often visits). Dangling & Misplaced Modifiers (SAT Traps) Misplaced: Placed too far from what they describe. Incorrect: She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates. Correct: She served the children sandwiches on paper plates. Dangling: Lacks a clear subject, usually at the start of a sentence. Incorrect: After studying for hours, the test seemed easy. Correct: After studying for hours, I found the test easy. Squinting: Placed between two possible words, making meaning unclear. Incorrect: Students who study frequently get higher scores. Correct: Students who frequently study get higher scores.