ACT-Modifiers & Sentence Relationships

What is a modifer?

A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes another word in a sentence.

What is the most important rule about modifiers?

A modifier should be placed as close as possible to the word it modifies.

What is a misplaced modifier?

A modifier placed too far away from the word it describes, making the sentence confusing/

Example of a misplaced modifier.

Incorect: Walking down the street, the trees looked beautiful.

This incorrectly suggests the trees were walking.

Correct: Walking down the street, I thought the trees looked beautiful.

What is a dangling modifier?

A modifier with no word to modify

Example of a dangling modifier

Incorrect: After finishing the homework, the TV was turned on.

Who finished the homework? Nobody in the sentence.

Correct: After finishing the homework, Sarah turned on the TV.

Modifier Test

Ask:

“What word is this describing?”

If you can’t answer immediately, the mosifier is probably wrong.

ACT Modifier Rule

The descriptive phrase should come right next to the noun it describes.

What kinds of words can modifiers describe?

• Nouns

• Pronouns

• Verbs

• Adjectives

• Other adverbs

Quick Modifier Checklist

Is the modifier nect to the correct noun?

Is it clear who or what is being described?

Could the sentence accidentally describe the wrong thing?

What is coordination?

Joining two equal ideas together

What punctuation or words show coordination?

FANBOYS

Semicolon

Example of coordination

“I studied, and my friend practiced.”

Both ideas are equally important.

What is subordination?

Making one idea more important than another.

One clause depends of the other.

Common subordinating words

Because

Although

While

Since

If

When

After

Before

Unless

Example of subordination

“Because it rained, we stayed inside.”

The dependent clause cannot stant alone.

Why does the ACT use subordination?

To show:

• Cause and effect

• Time

• Contrast

• Conditions

ACT Rule for Coordination

Use coordination when both ideas deserve equal emphasis.

ACT Rule for Subordination

Use subordination when one idea supports the main idea.

What’s the difference between coordination and subordination?

Coordination= Equal ideas

Subordination= Main idea+ supporting idea

Which sentences use coordination?

“I finish my homework, and I watch TV.”

Two complete ideas.

Which sentence uses subordination?

“After I finished my homework, I watched TV.”

One idea depends on the other.

Coordination vs. Subordination review

Coordination

• Equal ideas

• FANBOYS

• Semicolon

Subordination

• Main + supporting idea

• Because

• Although

• While

• Since

• If

• When