Misplaced Modifiers

For clarity, the modifier should be as close as possible to the word it modifies. Which of the following sentences is better?

• Moaning Myrtle forgot her lucky spotted scarf rushing out of the house.

• Rushing out of the house, Moaning Myrtle forgot her lucky spotted scarf.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

For clarity, the modifier should be as close as possible to the word it modifies. Which of the following sentences is better?

• Zazu crafted an origami swan for his pet goat folding the paper excitedly.

• Folding the paper excitedly, Zazu crafted an origami swan for his pet goat.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

For clarity, the modifier should be as close as possible to the word it modifies. Which of the following sentences is better?

• Mr. Filch photographed the rooster crowing outside his house.

• Crowing outside his window, Mr. Filch photographed the rooster.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

For clarity, the modifier should be as close as possible to the word it modifies. Which of the following sentences is better?

• A second head grew in my dream on my shoulders.

• In my dream, a second head grew on my shoulders.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

For clarity, the modifier should be as close as possible to the word it modifies. Which of the following sentences is better?

• The worn-out soldier's rucksack spilled its contents.

• The soldier's worn-out rucksack spilled its contents.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

For clarity, the modifier should be as close as possible to the word it modifies. Which of the following sentences is better?

• Mr. Richman presented to his family a cabin cruiser, which, it later developed, he was unable to pay for.

• Mr. Richman presented a cabin cruiser to his family, which, it later developed, he was unable to pay for.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

For clarity, the modifier should be as close as possible to the word it modifies. Which of the following sentences is better?

• When he saw the policeman, the thief decided to make a run for it, abandoning the stolen car and dashing into the woods.

• The thief decided to make a run for it when he saw the policeman, abandoning the stolen car and dashing into the woods.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C