Modifiers are an important part of the English language that are often overlooked by authors. They are instrumental in providing detail and depth in written communications, contributing to clear and accurate prose.

Here, we look at what modifiers are and how to use them to enhance your expression.

What are modifiers?

Modifiers are words or phrases that provide extra information about a component of a sentence, or even the sentence itself. They are either adjectives or adverbs, modifying nouns or verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, respectively. Read our guide to find out more about word classes.

They are entirely optional, as their removal should still leave a sentence that makes perfect sense. They do, however, significantly improve clarity when used correctly.

How are modifiers used in a sentence?

Modifiers should be positioned closely to the sentence component they modify to prevent ambiguity. Take the following example:

We analysed the data from the experiments using a computer programme that was complex.

Here, it is unclear whether the computer programme or data is being described as complex. A clearer statement would be:

We analysed the complex data from the experiments using a computer programme.

or

We analysed the data from the experiments using a complex computer programme.

Both of these corrections make it perfectly clear what ‘complex’ is actually modifying. It is especially important in academia to ensure this level of precision to avoid misinterpretation that could affect future research or hinder the peer review process.

Modifiers can be used attributively or predicatively—i.e., before or after the word they modify, respectively.

Pre-modifiers

Modifiers used attributively are known as pre-modifiers. The vast majority of single-word, adjectival modifiers come before word they modify. For example:

They told a compelling story.

It should be noted that, generally, adjectives can be positioned after the noun, as in

The story they told was compelling.

However, in such cases, as the adjective (“compelling” here) is an integral component of the sentence, i.e., it would not be a complete sentence without this information, then it is not functioning as a modifier, in that it is not adding extra information to an already complete sentence.

Common pre-modifiers are also determiners and numbers, which function as adjectives, such as the, an, many, and several, as well as first, four, third, etc. These inform the reader that we are speaking about a specific or non-specific object or thing in the case of determiners, or define the quantity or order in the case of numbers.

In the case of adverbs, placement before or after the component they are modifying is about equally common. For example:

The results were collected carefully.

and

The results were carefully collected.

These are both acceptable, clearly indicating what was done carefully.

Post-modifiers

Modifiers used predicatively are known as post-modifiers. These are positioned after the word or phrase being modified and are most frequently clauses as opposed to single words. For example:

The researcher analysed the sample containing the resistant strain.

The river flowing through the urban area showed higher levels of pollution.

Again, the sentences can be understood if you remove the underlined phrases, but they offer the reader clarity and aid their understanding, which is highly important in academic writing.

Dangling modifiers

A dangling modifier refers to a word or phrase that has no clear relationship between the modifier and the sentence component being modified. Readers may be able to guess at the author’s intended meaning, but they can cause significant confusion and disrupt the flow and readability of a paper.

Take the following example:

By cooling in liquid nitrogen, the experiment was easier to conduct.

The modifying phrase (underlined) here is not related to the noun it is modifying (“the experiment”). As the experiment itself cannot be cooled in liquid nitrogen, the reader has to make a best guess as to the author’s intended meaning.

A correct example would be:

By cooling the equipment in liquid nitrogen, the experiment was easier to conduct.

By including the element being modified, it leaves no uncertainty for the reader, and thus allows them to better understand the author’s research.

Using modifiers

In summary, modifiers are powerful tools that enhance the meaning and clarity of writing, and are thus particularly useful in academia. When used correctly, they add depth and precision, making sentences more informative and engaging. Their misuse, however, can confuse readers and obscure the author’s intended meaning.

By carefully positioning modifiers and ensuring they clearly relate to the right components, writers can craft more effective and precise prose. Understanding how to use modifiers properly is key to producing clear, professional, and compelling writing.