Parallel Structure Modifiers A modifier is simply a word phrase or clause that adds description in a sentence Modifiers need to be placed CLOSE to the word they describe Dangling modifier Introductory clause that describes the subject but the subject is not named after comma ID: 545694
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Slide1
Misplaced ModifiersParallel StructureSlide2
Modifiers
A modifier is simply a word, phrase, or clause that adds description in a sentence.
Modifiers need to be placed CLOSE to the word they describe.
Dangling modifier- Introductory clause that describes the subject, but the subject is not named after commaSlide3
Misplaced Modifier Examples
INCORRECT
- An elementary school teacher from Arkansas
,
increased funding
and support for public libraries were what Bessie Boehm Moore advocated for.
An elementary school teacher from Arkansas
,
Bessie Boehm Moore
advocated for increased funding and support for libraries. Slide4
Watch out for Possessives!
Incorrect-
An elementary school teacher from Arkansas
,
Bessie Boehm Moore’s goal
was to achieve increased funding and support for libraries.
An elementary school teacher from Arkansas
,
Bessie Boehm Moore
had the goal
of achieving increased funding and support for public libraries. Slide5
Another Example
Incorrect-
Born in a small town in Missouri
,
the majority of singer and actress Josephine Baker’s career
was spent performing throughout Europe.
Born in a small town in Missouri
,
singer and actress Josephine Baker
spent the majority of her career
performing throughout Europe. Slide6
Third Example
Incorrect-
Stretching from one end of the city to the other
,
the efficiency of Frankfurt’s train system
often surprises both tourists and city residents.
Stretching from one end of the city to the other
,
Frankfurt’s train system
often surprises both tourists and city residents with its efficiency. Slide7
Misplaced Modifiers
I saw the dead dog
driving down the highway
.
He wore a straw hat on his head,
which was obviously too small
.
She carefully studied the Picasso hanging in the art gallery
with her friend
.
He held the umbrella over Janet’s head
that he got from Delta
Airlines.Slide8
ACT Example
Claude McKay
was one of the most important poets of the
Harlem Renaissance
that moved to New York
after studying agronomy in Kansas.
Modifiers need to be CLOSE to the word(s) they modify!
The Harlem Renaissance moved to New York?Slide9
Corrected Versions
One of the most important poets of the Harlem Renaissance, Claude McKay moved to New York after studying agronomy in Kansas.
Claude McKay, one of the most important poets of the Harlem Renaissance, moved to New York after studying agronomy in Kansas.
Claude McKay was one of the most important poets of the Harlem Renaissance; he moved to New York City after studying agronomy in Kansas. Slide10
ACT STYLE
Pigeons have long played an important role as messengers due to their homing ability, speed, and altitude.
During the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, the French military used pigeons to transport messengers to Paris
,
a time when the city was surrounded by Prussian troops
What is wrong with this sentence?
Look at what comes after the COMMA before Paris Slide11
Answer
Pigeons have long played an important role as messengers due to their homing ability, speed, and altitude.
Pigeons were used to transport messages to Paris during the Franco-Prussian War in
1871
,
a time
when the city was surrounded by Prussian troops.Slide12
ACT Style
One
of the most important African American poets
in the 1920s
was Claude McKay,
who
moved to
New York City
after studying agronomy in Kansas.
The underlined phrase could be placed in all of the following EXCEPT
A- The beginning of the sentence (capitalize “In” and comma after 1920s)
B- After the word “who”
C- After the word “important’
D- After the words “New York City”Slide13
Parallel Structure
When introducing a list of three or more items, each item should be introduced in the same format.
Noun, noun, noun
Adjective, adjective, adjective
Verb, verb, verb
Infinitive, infinitive, infinitive
Gerund, gerund, gerund
Preposition, preposition, prepositionSlide14
Parallel Structure
He
wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and to learn about life
.
He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to make good friends, and learning about life
.Slide15
Example 2
Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and a wise friend.
Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and friend.Slide16
Example 3
There's nothing I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and spending a couple of days fishing.
There's nothing I like better than finding a good trout stream, setting up camp, and to spend a couple of days fishing.Slide17
Example 4
Denzel’s GPA is higher than Marcus.
Denzel’s GPA is higher than Marcus’.Slide18
ACT Example
Changes
in the wind circulation patterns, runoff from
sewage
, and
they accumulate
chemical fertilizers can lead to the creation of ocean waters low in oxygen and inhospitable to marine life.
A. No change
B. accumulating
C- to accumulate
D- accumulation ofSlide19
ACT Example
Because they have a highly developed sense of vision, most lizards communicate by
using
clear body language,
to change
their colors, and
displaying
their athletic abilities.
A. No change
B. they change
C. will change
D. changingSlide20
“And” or “or” before last item
Changes in wind circulation patterns, runoff from sewage,
the use of
chemical fertilizers can lead to the creation of ocean waters low in oxygen and inhospitable to marine life.
AND
THE USE OF