Common Errors Misplaced Modifiers A modifier should be

Common Errors

Misplaced Modifiers �A modifier should be placed as close as possible to the word it modifies in order to avoid confusion. �Ex: � Misplaced: We rented a recorder from the music store with an instruction booklet. � Corrected: At the music store, we rented a recorder with an instruction booklet. �Ex: � Misplaced (Dangling Participle): Walking toward the house, the tree on the lawn looked beautiful to Elizabeth. � Corrected: Walking toward the house, Elizabeth admired the beautiful tree on the lawn.

Faulty Parallelism �Parallelism in the placement of equal ideas in words, phrases, or clauses of similar type. �Parallel Words �The camp has excellent facilities for riding, hiking, and swimming. �Parallel Phrases �Jennings had gone to the country to rest, to think, and to catch a few fish. �Parallel Clauses �A news story should tell what happened, when it happened, and who was involved.

Correcting Faulty Parallelism �Correct a sentence containing faulty parallelism by rewriting it so that each parallel idea is expressed in the same grammatical structure. �Ex: � Incorrect: The manager protested loudly and with emotion. � Parallel: The manager protested loudly and emotionally. �Ex: � Incorrect: Mr. Darling liked weeding his garden, mowing his lawn, and to putter around his house. � Parallel: Mr. Darling liked weeding his garden, mowing his lawn, and puttering around his house.