Modifiers are words that give more information about another word or clause in a sentence. To avoid confusing a reader, modifiers should always appear as close as possible to the word or words they are modifying.

In this example, the modifier is “on the bumper.” It gives location information about the dent. However, because it appears closest to “Jerry,” the reader may think that Jerry is on the bumper instead of the dent.

Modifiers are words that give more information about another word or clause in a sentence. To avoid confusing a reader, modifiers should always appear as close as possible to the word or words they are modifying.

In this example, the modifier is “created using computer-assisted drawing technology.” It gives more information about the plans. However, because it appears closest to “Mr. McLaughlin,” the reader may think that he was created using that technology rather than the plans.

To avoid confusing a reader, modifiers should always appear as close as possible to the word or words they are modifying.

In this example, the modifier is “beside the workstation.” It gives more information about where the manual is located. However, because it appears closest to “I,” the reader may think that the person speaking is beside the workstation. Of course, that could happen, so it is not illogical, but the meaning in this sentence emphasizes the location of the manual.

In this example, the modifier is “under the hood.” It gives more information about the location of the leak. However, because of the placement of the modifier, a reader may think that the mechanic is under the hood rather than the leak.

To avoid confusing a reader, modifiers should always appear as close as possible to the word or words they are modifying.

In this example, the modifier is “you are planning to have with the supplier.” It gives more information about the meeting.  However, because of the order of the sentence, a reader might conclude that the project is with the supplier rather than the meeting.

In this example, the modifier is “with many attachments.” It describes the ratchet set. Because it appears closest to “the project,” a reader may think that the project has many attachments instead of the ratchet set.

In this example, the modifier is “that met all specifications.” It identifies which products the inspector examined. However, because it appears closest to “the inspector,” a reader may think the inspector met the specifications rather than the product.

In this example, the modifier is “expressing his confusion.” It gives more information about what Mykel is doing. However, because it appears closest to “the supervisor,” the reader may think that the supervisor is expressing his confusion rather than Mykel.

In this example, the modifier is “recognizing the problem.” It gives more information about Sundi’s actions. However, because it appears closest to “the electrical panel,” the reader may think that the panel is recognizing the problem instead of Sundi.