Modifier

usgb/ˈmɑːdɪfaɪər/
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.
Visual representation of "modifier" - A word or phrase that gives more information about another word in a sentence.

Often appears as...

  • adjective modifier
  • noun modifier
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "modifier"
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Position Matters

Modifiers should be placed close to the words they describe to avoid confusion.

Illustration for Position Matters
Correct: 'The big dog barked.' Incorrect: 'The dog big barked.'
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Misplaced Modifiers

A modifier placed incorrectly can change the meaning of a sentence, often humorously.

Illustration for Misplaced Modifiers
'Eating ice cream, the sun was too hot' implies the sun is eating ice cream.
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Dangling Modifiers

Modifiers must clearly refer to a specific word, or they will dangle, causing confusion.

Illustration for Dangling Modifiers
Incorrect: 'Running fast, the view was blurry.' Who is running?
Visual representation of the word "Modifier"

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