Errors Native Speakers Make

Meaning: To put something down or place it somewhere.
Requires a Direct Object: You lay something (object) down.

Conjugation:

Present: lay (I lay the book on the table.)
Past: laid (I laid the book on the table yesterday.)
Past participle: laid (I have laid the book on the table.)
Present participle: laying (I am laying the book on the table.)

Present: lie (I lie down on the bed.)
Past: lay (Yesterday, I lay on the bed.)
Past participle: lain (I have lain down on the bed.)
Present participle: lying (I am lying on the bed.)

Lay: "Please lay the keys on the counter." (You are placing the keys down.)
Lie: "I need to lie down for a while." (You are reclining or resting.)

Lay requires an object (you lay something down).
Lie involves no object (you lie down yourself).

This writer will never forget how funny it was when Rosanne Bar was interviewed and asked,

“What do you do in your free time?” She replied, “I just lay (instead of lie) around.” This

has a sexual connotation.

Understanding “Look forward to

2- Neither of the potential buyers had really made up their mind.

3- Araceli's mother wondered if she was tall enough to be a model.

4- In this course, a person can be in class for weeks before the professor calls on you.

5- My sister and me are Opera fanatics.

6- My mother's suitcase is always more heavier than my father's.

7- The teacher's hair is so funny; he needs a haircut bad.

8- The student couldn't drive to work in his small sports car with a broken leg.

9- The toaster was sold to us by a charming salesman with a money back guarantee.

10- Dancing on their hind legs, the audience cheered wildly as the elephants paraded by.

11- The game show contestant was told to be cheerful, charming, and with enthusiasm.

12- My father's favorite expression is, "it can't be as bad as all that."

13- Alicia seems quite and demure, but she has quite a temper at times.

14- When we told the neighbors to can the noise, they freaked out.

15- My good friends have stuck with me through thick and thin.

I would love to hear from you. Write to sabribebawi@mac.com

and share your thoughts or simply say hello.

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Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers: Understanding Common Errors in Writing

Modifiers are essential tools in the English language, used to describe, clarify, or limit the meaning of

words phrases in a sentence. They enrich the writing by providing additional details, making the sentence more

specific and vivid. However, when modifiers are not placed correctly, they can create confusion, alter the

meaning of a sentence, or result in unintended humor or absurdity. Two common types of errors involving

modifiers are dangling modifiers and misplaced modifiers. In this essay, we will explore these two issues,

providing definitions, examples, and explanations of how to avoid them in writing.

What is a Dangling Modifier?

A dangling modifier is a descriptive word or phrase that is not clearly or logically attached to the noun

it is supposed to modify. This creates ambiguity or confusion because the reader is left unsure about

which word the modifier is describing. In many cases, dangling modifiers can lead to humorous

or illogical interpretations.

Example of a Dangling Modifier:

Running to catch the bus, the rain began to fall heavily.

In this sentence, "Running to catch the bus" is a participial phrase intended to describe the person

performing the action. However, the modifier "the rain" is the subject of the sentence, and it

creates an illogical meaning: it implies that the rain is running to catch the bus. The modifier is dangling

because it is not clearly attached to the noun it is meant to describe.

Corrected Version:

Running to catch the bus, I noticed the rain began to fall heavily.

Now, the modifier "Running to catch the bus" clearly refers to the person

(I), making the sentence logical and coherent.

What is a Misplaced Modifier?

A misplaced modifier occurs when the modifier is placed too far from the word it is intended

to modify, leading to ambiguity or a distorted meaning. While the modifier is not technically

"dangling" (i.e., it is connected to a noun), its placement can confuse the reader or cause them

to misinterpret the sentence.

Example of a Misplaced Modifier:

She almost drove her kids to school every day.

This sentence creates confusion because it suggests that the woman "almost drove"

her kids to school, meaning she did not actually drive them. However, the intended meaning

is likely that she drove them to school every day.

Corrected Version:

She drove her kids to school almost every day.

Now, the modifier "almost" is placed next to "every day," where it correctly indicates that she

drove her kids to school nearly every day, but not necessarily every single day.

Why Do These Errors Matter?

Dangling and misplaced modifiers can cause confusion and hinder effective communication.

Clear, precise writing is essential for conveying the intended meaning to the reader. In academic,

professional, and everyday writing, the failure to place modifiers correctly can lead to misunderstandings,

misinterpretations, or unintended humor, especially in contexts where precision is important.

For example, in technical or scientific writing, a misplaced or dangling modifier could lead to a

misinterpretation of a process or data, potentially undermining the credibility of the writer. Similarly, in

formal writing, misplaced modifiers can disrupt the flow and clarity of an argument, making it harder

for readers to grasp the writer's point.

How to Avoid Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

The key to avoiding dangling and misplaced modifiers is paying close attention to the structure

of your sentences. Here are a few tips:

For Dangling Modifiers:
- Ensure that the modifier clearly and logically modifies the subject of the sentence.
- If the modifier is a participial phrase or an introductory phrase, make sure it is placed
- next to the noun that it is intended to describe.
- Reread your sentence to confirm that the subject performing the action is clearly identified.
For Misplaced Modifiers:
- Place the modifier as close as possible to the word it is supposed to modify.
- Be careful with adverbs like "only," "almost," and "even," which are frequently misplaced.
- Ensure they are positioned directly next to the word they modify.
- Read your sentence carefully to determine whether the modifier could be misinterpreted if placed elsewhere.

Modifiers, when used correctly, are powerful tools in writing, adding clarity and depth to our descriptions.

However, improper placement of modifiers can lead to confusion or unintended meanings. Dangling modifiers,

which lack a clear connection to the noun they are meant to modify, and misplaced modifiers, which are

positioned too far from the word they describe, are two common mistakes that writers should be aware of.

By carefully structuring sentences and paying attention to modifier placement, writers can avoid these errors,

ensuring that their writing is clear, precise, and easily understood. As with all aspects of writing, the more

attention you pay to detail, the more effective and compelling your work will be.

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More to come

ERRORS NATIVE SPEAKERS MAKE REGULARLY ©

Inquire About My

English Writing Classes

Lay:

Lie:

Examples:

Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers: Understanding Common Errors in Writing

What is a Dangling Modifier?

What is a Misplaced Modifier?

Why Do These Errors Matter?

How to Avoid Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers