Scho la s t i c s c o pe

Activity: The Lazy Editor: Blue Jean Nation

Skill: Misplaced Modifiers

Name: _______________________________________ Class: ___________________ Date: _____________

A modifier is a word or group of words that modifies, or describes, another word or group of words in a sentence.
A modifier should always appear next to the word or words it modifies. If you misplace a modifier, it can
completely change the meaning of the sentence. For example:
Incorrect: Our teacher handed out sandwiches to the whole class wrapped in tin foil.
The modifier wrapped in tin foil is placed so that it modifies class. But was the class
wrapped in tin foil? Of course not! It was the sandwiches.
Correct: Our teacher handed out sandwiches wrapped in tin foil to the whole class.
Directions: Circle the misplaced modifier in each sentence. (We did the first three sentences for you.) Then
rewrite the sentence so that it is correct. You may need to add words or commas to some of the sentences.
1. Mischa read that a new panda had been born in the newspaper.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Oinking and squealing, I watched the pigs playing in the mud.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Vincent saw an awesome pair of sneakers at the mall with silver and green stripes.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
4. We ate leftovers with Caitlin and her brother on paper plates.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Even though they were slightly worn, my parents bought two chairs at the antique store.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
6. After ballet class, Miranda walked her dog still wearing a tutu.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Mrs. Holloway was sitting next to a man with a leather jacket named Bruce.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Splattered all over the stove, Elliott wiped up the tomato sauce.
Correct: _ __________________________________________________________________________________________
Scholastic sCOPE online reproducible november 8, 2010

Uses: Copy machine, opaque projector, or transparency master for overhead projector. Scholastic Inc. grants subscribers of Scholastic Scope permission to reproduce this page for use in their classrooms. Copyright 2010 by Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.

Master Your Modifiers