Lesson 3 -  Prepositions - Modifiers and Misplaced Modifiers 
Read and memorize the following rules.
1.  A prepositional phrase functions as an adjective or an adverb.  

     Adjective - modifies (changes) a noun or pronoun.
     Adverb - modifies a verb, ad adjective or adverb.

Look at the following:
                                                       The word VERY modifies (changes) the word slowly.
                                                                        |
                                                                        |
                               The runner warmed (up very slowly).
                                            |                         |           |
                                            |                     Verb        |
                                      Subject                          Adverb

How did the runner warm up?  He warmed up, not only slowly, but very slowly.

2.  Following is an example of how the whole prepositional phrase acts as an adjective:

                                               The preposition "on" links the word "corner" with "car."
                                                       |
                                The car (on the corner) has a flat tire.
                                          |
                                      The word car is both a noun and the subject.

                    * Remember that adjectives modify NOUNS.  ("car" is modified by the entire prepositional 
phrase "on the corner"  The car is no longer just any car as in the following:

                                 The car has a flat tire.

The car has been identified by the preposition (therby changed or modified) as the car "on the corner."

3.  Following is an example of how the whole prepositional phrase acts as an adverb:

                                    the word "into" modifies (changes) the word "ran"
                                                      |                     
                                The car ran (into the tree).
                                              |
                                              |
                                           Verb
                                                               
                     * Remember that adverbs modify VERBS, adjectives OR adverbs.
                        The car did not just "run", it ran into a tree.

4.  Misplaced Modifiers

     a.  A preposition should come as close to the word it modifies as it can get.  Look at the following sentence:

                     Joan borrowed a bicycle (from a friend) (with ten speeds).

         The two prepositional phrases should be reversed.  The phrase "with ten speeds" modifies (changes) the word "bicycle" so the phrase "with ten speeds" should be placed as closely to the word "bicycle" as possible.

     b.  Finding misplaced modifiers is very easy if you pay attention to what the sentence is trying to say.  Joan's friend did not have ten speeds, the bicycle did.  The correct sentence would be written as follows:

                    Joan borrowed a bicycle (with ten speeds) (from a friend).

5.  Extra notes on miscellaneous grammar:

     a.  On the subject of the prepositions "between" and "among":

            2 can walk BETWEEN 2 desks but 3 cannot.
            3 or more can walk AMONG the desks.

     b.  If you use the word "different," you must use the word "from" -- "different from."

END OF TUTORIAL - DO THE WORKSHEET
                      

 
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