Good Advice, Bad Writing

rogersgeorge on August 4th, 2020

This is an example of a misplaced modifier. Modifiers should go as close to what they modify as you can put them.

Image may contain: text that says 'DID YOU KNOW? Holistic Ali You can make biodegradable and renewable confetti using a hole punch and leaves for parties and weddings. This is used as an alternative to plastic confetti that ends up in landfills or the ocean.' — (seen on Facebook)

The leaves are not for parties and weddings, the confetti is for parties and weddings, so “for parties and weddings” should come right after “confetti.” Okay, maybe this is a really minor solecism, but hey, I’m a curmudgeon. Harrumpf!

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Rogers George has been a technical writer for more than 20 years. He has written on subjects as diverse as outhouse assembly, restaurant reviews, software, information security, and scientific equipment. He has his own writing consultancy and is always happy to discuss writing and grammar. Drop him a line at curmudgeon@writing-rag.com.

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