Modifiers

http://gallerylanguages.net/misplaced-modifiers-what-are-they-and-how-can-you-avoid-them/

This is a link to a blog entry about modifiers. It's really good for word order problems.

I've copied a part below, but you should look at the blog for the whole thing with pictures

What is a modifier? 
A modifier is a word or phrase that changes, or modifies, a part of a sentence. Adjectives are modifiers because they modify nouns (or pronouns). Adverbs are modifiers because they modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.   Sometimes modifiers can be entire clauses or phrases. Typically, the modifier can be removed and you will still have a complete sentence.

So, what is a misplaced modifier? Sometimes it is not clear which part of a sentence a modifier is intended to modify. A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that has been placed in the wrong place in a sentence, and as a result, modifies the wrong thing.

The misplaced modifier can lead to confusion and sometimes completely change the meaning of the sentence.

For example, let’s look at the sentence below:

§  The teacher said on Monday we would have a test.

In this sentence, on Monday is the modifying phrase.
But, wait…I am confused. Did the teacher say this on Monday or will the test be on Monday? We’re not sure. We have to change this sentence to make it clear.

To say that the test will be on Monday, we can write the sentence like this:

§  The teacher said we would have a test on Monday.

To say that the teacher spoke on Monday, we can write the sentence like this:

§  On Monday, the teacher said we would have a test.

That’s just one example of the big difference that the placement of a modifier can make.

Be careful with your modifiers, because if you aren’t, you might accidentally make a silly mistake!

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http://gallerylanguages.net/misplaced-modifiers-what-are-they-and-how-can-you-avoid-them/