by Dr. Radut

English Grammar: Modifiers

A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that provides additional information about another word in the sentence. Modifiers can describe, clarify, or provide more detail about a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb. Understanding how to use modifiers properly is essential for constructing clear and detailed sentences. In this lesson, we will explore two main types of modifiers: adjectives and adverbs, as well as common mistakes like misplaced and dangling modifiers.

Adjectives: Modifying Nouns

Adjectives are words that modify or describe nouns or pronouns. They provide more detail about a noun’s size, shape, color, age, and more. Adjectives usually come before the noun they modify, but they can also follow the verb to be or other linking verbs.

Example: A tall building dominates the skyline.
Example: The cake is delicious.
Example: She wore a red dress.

Adverbs: Modifying Verbs, Adjectives, or Other Adverbs

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They often answer questions like how, when, where, why, or to what extent. Many adverbs end in -ly, though not all do.

Example (modifying a verb): She quickly ran to the store.
Example (modifying an adjective): The weather is extremely hot.
Example (modifying another adverb): He spoke very softly.

Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier occurs when the modifier is placed too far from the word it is supposed to modify, leading to confusion or a change in meaning. To correct this, place the modifier as close as possible to the word it is describing.

Example (misplaced): She almost drove her kids to school every day. (This means she didn’t actually drive them but came close.)
Corrected: She drove her kids to school almost every day. (This means she drove them most days.)

Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier occurs when the word being modified is not clearly stated in the sentence, making the meaning unclear. To fix a dangling modifier, you need to revise the sentence to clearly indicate who or what is being modified.

Example (dangling): Running to catch the bus, the backpack slipped from my shoulder. (This suggests that the backpack was running.)
Corrected: Running to catch the bus, I felt my backpack slip from my shoulder.

Intensifiers and Qualifiers

Modifiers can also function as intensifiers, adding emphasis or degree, or as qualifiers, which soften or limit the meaning of other words. These can be adverbs or adjectives.

Example (intensifier): She is very happy.
Example (qualifier): The problem is somewhat complicated.

Order of Modifiers

When using multiple adjectives to modify the same noun, they generally follow a specific order. The typical order is:

  • Quantity or number
  • Quality or opinion
  • Size
  • Age
  • Shape
  • Color
  • Origin
  • Material
Example: She has two large old brown leather bags.

In this example, the adjectives follow the correct order: quantity (two), size (large), age (old), color (brown), and material (leather).