Some folks just need modifyin'...
Posted on 01/28/2025 9:41:31 AM PST by SeekAndFind
Imagine you’re approaching a traffic light intersection with both signals red, and you’re unsure which direction will turn green first. You’re forced to shift your gaze back and forth, trying to determine your next move. This feeling mirrors the experience of reading a sentence with a squinting modifier. It forces the reader to pause, looking back and forth, unsure which word is actually being modified.
For example, consider the sentence, “Studies show that reading often improves memory.”
The adverb “often” creates a dilemma. Does it modify “reading” (suggesting reading occurs frequently) or “improves memory” (indicating that improvement happens often)? Either interpretation is possible, leaving readers in doubt.
A squinting modifier is an adverb or adjective between two words or phrases. In the above example, the adverb “often” is the squinting modifier.
Here’s another: “The house that got a new roof recently was sold.”
It’s unclear whether the house recently got a new roof or if the house itself recently was sold. This confusion gives the modifier its name — squinting — as it seems to look in both directions.
These modifiers can be fixed by rearranging or rephrasing the sentence. The previous example can be fixed this way: “The house that got a new roof was recently sold.”
Similarly, “Studies show that frequent reading improves memory” is another simple fix. By repositioning the modifier or rephrasing the sentence, you can eliminate ambiguity and clarify your meaning for readers, making your writing clear and concise.
I thought that is what commas are for, to place the modifier on one side or the other.
Eats shoots and leaves...
Seems as though proper placement of the modifier could prevent ambiguity.
😁..................
Is it a dangling participle surrounded by a diphthong.
Let’s eat Grandma!
Let’s eat, Grandma!
Commas save lives!
Some folks just need modifyin'...
Studies show that reading can often improve memory.
And:
Studies show that reading often can improve memory.
The addition and use of “can” eliminates the squinting modifier.
> > > I thought that is what commas are for, to place the modifier on one side or the other < < <
Uses of a Comma
Separating Items in a List:
Use commas to separate items in a series or list.
Example: I bought apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes.
Oxford Comma: The optional comma before the final “and” (as in the example) is a stylistic choice but can improve clarity.
Joining Independent Clauses:
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, so) when joining two independent clauses.
Example: She wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.
Setting Off Introductory Elements:
Place a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause.
Example: After the meeting, we went out for lunch.
Separating Parenthetical Elements:
Use commas to set off nonessential information that could be removed without altering the sentence’s core meaning.
Example: The book, which was published last year, became a bestseller.
Direct Address:
Use commas when directly addressing someone.
Example: John, could you pass me the salt?
Separating Coordinate Adjectives:
Use commas between adjectives that independently describe the same noun.
Example: It was a long, exhausting trip.
Test: If you can insert “and” or reverse the adjectives without changing meaning, use a comma.
Setting Off Quotes:
Use a comma to introduce or follow direct quotations.
Example: He said, “I’ll be there at 5.”
Clarifying Numbers and Dates:
Use commas in large numbers (1,000; 10,000,000) and in dates (June 12, 2023).
Example: The population is 8,526,200.
Indicating Elliptical Constructions:
Use commas to show where words have been omitted.
Example: Mary liked the blue shirt; John, the red.
Setting Off Contrasting Elements:
Use commas before words like not or but in contrasts.
Example: He chose coffee, not tea.
A squinting modifier with dangling participle is obscene.
Let's eat grandma!vs.Let's eat, grandma!
You beat me to it!
The same goes for the use/nonuse of hyphens, especially in headlines. There’s a big difference between “man eating lion” and “man-eating lion.”
Nut screws and bolts.
Why not say…
Grandma, let’s eat!
Even without the comma there’s no ambiguity.
John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
Blame social media.
I needed to help my uncle Jack off a horse.
😂 😆 😝
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