Sunday, October 9, 2011

lost modifiers

Modifier or modifying phrase, is a word or phrase that explains or describes the word. Lost modifiers are words, phrases or sentences that do not clearly indicate the word or words they modify.

Incorrect:
I was told that Nancy became pregnant with her uncle.
right:
• My uncle told me that Nancy became pregnant.
• My uncle told me that Nancy became pregnant.

Incorrect:
Like many German men, the day came when Juergen wanted to be a automotive engineer.
Since the object that the term means that the day is a non-German men. It does not move intended meaning.
right
• Like many German men, Jürgen eventually wanted to be a automotive engineer. .
• the day came when Juergen, like many German men, wanted to be a automotive engineer. .

Incorrect:
Green is a grumpy man bald head weighs 200 pounds.
This term refers to the fact that the man is a mustache weighs 200 pounds.
right
• Green is a morose man weighs 200 kg and sporting a bald spot.
• Green is a morose man, bald head and weighs 200 pounds.
To avoid misplacing his attributes, make sure they are as close as possible to the word to explain or describe.