5.4 Modifiers, Parallel Structure, and Word Forms

Modifiers, Parallel Structure, and Word Forms

Effective writing requires more than just correct punctuation and agreement; it also demands clarity, logical flow, and word precision. The final section of Chapter 5 addresses three major styling and grammatical concepts tested on the TSIA2 ELAR: modifier placement, parallel structure, and proper word forms (including idioms and homophones).

Modifier Placement

A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes or adds detail to another part of a sentence. In standard English, modifiers must be placed as close as possible to the words they modify. When they are placed incorrectly, they create two distinct errors: misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers.

1. Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier is placed too far from the word it describes, making the sentence sound awkward, confusing, or unintentionally humorous.

• Incorrect: The librarian returned the book to the student that was overdue. (This implies the student, rather than the book, was overdue).
• Correct: The librarian returned the book that was overdue to the student.
• Incorrect: He nearly walked for three hours to reach the campsite. (This implies he almost started walking, rather than that he walked for almost three hours).
• Correct: He walked for nearly three hours to reach the campsite.

To correct a misplaced modifier, physically move the modifier closer to the word or phrase it is intended to describe.

2. Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier occurs when the word or phrase being described is missing from the sentence entirely. Typically, dangling modifiers occur at the start of a sentence as an introductory participle phrase (often ending in -ing). The reader assumes that the subject of the main clause is the person performing the action of the introductory phrase, leading to illogical statements.

• Incorrect: Walking down the main street, the skyscrapers looked magnificent. (This implies that the skyscrapers themselves were walking down the street).
• Correct: Walking down the main street, the tourists thought the skyscrapers looked magnificent. (Now "tourists" is the subject performing the action "walking").
• Correct: As the tourists walked down the main street, the skyscrapers looked magnificent. (Converting the modifier into a subordinate clause resolves the dangling issue).

To correct a dangling modifier, you must either rewrite the main clause to introduce the correct subject immediately after the comma, or change the introductory phrase into a dependent clause with its own subject.

Parallel Structure

Parallel structure (or parallelism) is the practice of using the same grammatical pattern to express two or more ideas of equal importance. Parallelism applies to lists, comparisons, and coordinate clauses. It creates grammatical symmetry and makes sentences easier to read.

1. Parallelism in Lists and Series

All items in a list must use the same part of speech or grammatical structure.

• Incorrect: The job description requires candidates to have experience in public speaking, writing reports, and how to manage databases. (Mixes gerunds with an infinitive phrase).
• Correct: The job description requires candidates to have experience in public speaking, writing reports, and managing databases. (All three are gerunds).

2. Parallelism in Comparisons

When comparing two things, the structures on both sides of the comparison must match.

• Incorrect: Regular physical exercise is better for your health than to spend hours sitting at a desk.
• Correct: Regular physical exercise is better for your health than spending hours sitting at a desk. (Compares the gerund phrase "exercise" with the gerund phrase "spending").

3. Parallelism with Correlative Conjunctions

When using correlative conjunctions (e.g., either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also), the grammatical structures following each part of the conjunction must be identical.

• Incorrect: The professor decided not only to cancel the lecture but also dismissed the lab class.
• Correct: The professor decided not only to cancel the lecture but also to dismiss the lab class.

Word Forms and Idiomatic Expressions

The TSIA2 ELAR tests your ability to select the correct words based on context and standard English usage. This includes using correct prepositions (idiomatic usage) and distinguishing between commonly confused homophones.

1. Idiomatic Preposition Usage

Idiomatic expressions are word combinations that have become standard through usage. Many verbs and adjectives require specific prepositions:

• Comply with (not comply to)
• Different from (not different than)
• Insist on (not insist in)
• Responsible for (not responsible of)
• Example: The research proposal must comply with the department's guidelines.

2. Commonly Confused Homophones

Homophones are words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings. These are frequent targets on the editing section of the exam:

• Affect vs. Effect:
  • Affect (usually a verb): to influence or produce a change. ("The weather affects my mood.")
  • Effect (usually a noun): the result or consequence of a change. ("The new policy had a positive effect.")
• Their, There, and They're:
  • Their (possessive): belonging to them. ("It is their project.")
  • There (location/pronoun): in that place. ("Put the folder over there.")
  • They're (contraction): they are. ("They're going to win.")
• Principal vs. Principle:
  • Principal (noun/adjective): the head of a school, or the primary/most important element. ("The principal reason for the change was budget cuts.")
  • Principle (noun): a fundamental truth, rule, or moral belief. ("He is a man of strong principles.")

By checking for modifier proximity, maintaining parallel structures, and selecting correct word forms, you will avoid clarity errors and score higher on sentence revision questions.