Modifier
noun
A word or phrase that gives more information about another word in a sentence.
In the sentence 'She wore a beautiful red dress', 'beautiful' and 'red' are modifiers.
Often appears as...
- adjective modifier
- noun modifier
noun
In computer science, a condition or command that changes the way an operation is performed.
In the statement 'print(A)', 'A' is a modifier that changes what the 'print' command does.
Often appears as...
- command modifier
- function modifier
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A word or phrase that gives more information about another word in a sentence.
In the sentence 'She wore a beautiful red dress', 'beautiful' and 'red' are modifiers.
Often appears as...
- adjective modifier
- noun modifier
noun
In computer science, a condition or command that changes the way an operation is performed.
In the statement 'print(A)', 'A' is a modifier that changes what the 'print' command does.
Often appears as...
- command modifier
- function modifier
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Position Matters
Modifiers should be placed close to the words they describe to avoid confusion.
Correct: 'The big dog barked.' Incorrect: 'The dog big barked.'
Pro Tip 2/3Misplaced Modifiers
A modifier placed incorrectly can change the meaning of a sentence, often humorously.
'Eating ice cream, the sun was too hot' implies the sun is eating ice cream.
Pro Tip 3/3Dangling Modifiers
Modifiers must clearly refer to a specific word, or they will dangle, causing confusion.
Incorrect: 'Running fast, the view was blurry.' Who is running?
Pro Tip 1/3Position Matters
Modifiers should be placed close to the words they describe to avoid confusion.
Correct: 'The big dog barked.' Incorrect: 'The dog big barked.'
Pro Tip 2/3Misplaced Modifiers
A modifier placed incorrectly can change the meaning of a sentence, often humorously.
'Eating ice cream, the sun was too hot' implies the sun is eating ice cream.
Pro Tip 3/3Dangling Modifiers
Modifiers must clearly refer to a specific word, or they will dangle, causing confusion.
Incorrect: 'Running fast, the view was blurry.' Who is running?
Pro Tip 1/3Position Matters
Modifiers should be placed close to the words they describe to avoid confusion.
Correct: 'The big dog barked.' Incorrect: 'The dog big barked.'
Pro Tip 2/3Misplaced Modifiers
A modifier placed incorrectly can change the meaning of a sentence, often humorously.
'Eating ice cream, the sun was too hot' implies the sun is eating ice cream.
Pro Tip 3/3Dangling Modifiers
Modifiers must clearly refer to a specific word, or they will dangle, causing confusion.
Incorrect: 'Running fast, the view was blurry.' Who is running?
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Video examples
How misused modifiers...
confusing headlines like this appear all the time. Modifiers are words, phrases, and clauses that add information about other parts of a sentence, which is usually helpful. But when modifiers aren't linked clearly enough
Video examples
The real meaning of soul...
as to insist that a life lost could be a soul found but what are we were to reclaim Seoul from the lost-and-found business if we were to free it of pious modifiers such as blessed and immortal because it
Video examples
Nick Bostrom: Humanity's...
We have skin enhancements, clothing. As far as I can see, all of you are users of this enhancement technology in this room, so that's a great thing. Mood modifiers have been used from time immemorial --
Video examples
Taboo? Flesh Branding PIPE...
objects under their skin body modifiers admit much of what sets them apart is dangerous and excruciating ly painful but nothing they say feels or smells
Video examples
How misused modifiers...
confusing headlines like this appear all the time. Modifiers are words, phrases, and clauses that add information about other parts of a sentence, which is usually helpful. But when modifiers aren't linked clearly enough
Video examples
The real meaning of soul...
as to insist that a life lost could be a soul found but what are we were to reclaim Seoul from the lost-and-found business if we were to free it of pious modifiers such as blessed and immortal because it
Video examples
Nick Bostrom: Humanity's...
We have skin enhancements, clothing. As far as I can see, all of you are users of this enhancement technology in this room, so that's a great thing. Mood modifiers have been used from time immemorial --
Video examples
Taboo? Flesh Branding PIPE...
objects under their skin body modifiers admit much of what sets them apart is dangerous and excruciating ly painful but nothing they say feels or smells
Example 1 of 4
Quote examples
Bonnie Hammer
American Businessman
In the American office lexicon, 'aging' - and its close cousin 'old' - are inconsistent modifiers. While older women are often labeled as 'tired' and 'out of touch,' aging men get to be 'distinguished' and 'seasoned.
Quote examples
P. J. O'Rourke
American Comedian
I spend my days kneeling in the muck of language, feeling around for gooey verbs, nouns, and modifiers that I can squash together to make a blob of a sentence that bears some likeness to reason and sense.
Quote examples
Steve Rushin
American Journalist
Nouns are seldom improved by the modifier 'public.' Few of us, given a private alternative, prefer public restrooms or public transportation or public displays of affection.
Quote examples
Bonnie Hammer
American Businessman
In the American office lexicon, 'aging' - and its close cousin 'old' - are inconsistent modifiers. While older women are often labeled as 'tired' and 'out of touch,' aging men get to be 'distinguished' and 'seasoned.
Quote examples
P. J. O'Rourke
American Comedian
I spend my days kneeling in the muck of language, feeling around for gooey verbs, nouns, and modifiers that I can squash together to make a blob of a sentence that bears some likeness to reason and sense.
Quote examples
Steve Rushin
American Journalist
Nouns are seldom improved by the modifier 'public.' Few of us, given a private alternative, prefer public restrooms or public transportation or public displays of affection.
Example 1 of 3
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