A modifier is a word or phrase that qualifies a noun or verb. Modifiers should be placed next to the words or phrases they modify. Simple, right? Not quite.
Articles Tagged grammar
That Which Has a Tail
“That” and “which” may seem interchangeable, but there’s a difference between the two words, and it’s more important than you might think.
A Most Important(ly) Lesson
I have a confession to make: I made a reflexive edit in a manuscript based on personal preference. Worse, I then boasted about it online.
Adverb Placement, Generally and Specifically
Adverbs are usually placed next to the thing they modify. But what do you do when the result is awkward?
Grammar Bite: Snuggling Up to “Only”
“Only” is a delightful little word that can act as an adjective or an adverb; it can modify nouns, verbs, and even other adjectives. Where you place it makes a big impact. Here’s how to do it well.
Rewriting the Zombies: “Hopefully”
Don’t start a sentence with “hopefully”? Hopefully, you’ll read this article and learn why you can.
Rewriting the Zombies: “None”
A few grammar peevers will insist that “none” means “not one” and must take a singular verb. But there’s more to the story.
10 Nuances of Subject–Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement sounds simple but can be surprisingly complex. These 10 nuances of agreement will get you started.
Rewriting the Zombies: “And” and “But”
“Don’t start a sentence with ‘and’ or ‘but,'” we’re told. But no one updates that rule when our skills grow. Let’s fix that.
Rewriting the Zombies: “However”
We’ve been taught not to start sentences with “however.” Why you can dismiss that rule.
