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Section 12.4

Modifiers

Modifiers change the interpretation or meaning of the words or phrases they are associated with. Some examples of modifiers are adjectives, adverbs, adjective clauses (including relative clauses and appositive phrases), and adverbial clauses. Modifiers are generally optional elements of sentences.


Every elephant has six sets of four teeth that grow forward as the previous assemblage is worn down; when the series runs out, often after more than 50 years of grazing, the animal can no longer forage and dies.

--"Profile: Cynthia Moss," Scientific American


When you use a modifier, place it as close as possible to the word or phrase you intend it to modify. See Misplaced Modifiers.

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