Instructional Video

How Misused Modifiers Can Hurt Your Writing

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This How Misused Modifiers Can Hurt Your Writing instructional video also includes:

Misplaced modifiers are a common grammar error, but can your learners identify when a modifier can interfere with a reader's understanding? Watch a short and entertaining video from Ted Ed that illustrates misplaced modifiers, as well as dangling modifiers and squinting modifiers, and demonstrates how to clarify these sentences. 

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • For a flipped classroom approach, have kids watch the video at home and come to class prepared to discuss modifiers
  • Show the video before your grammar lesson, or at the beginning of class to begin a warm-up activity
  • Have kids write examples of sentences with misplaced modifiers, and prompt their peers to rewrite the sentences for clarity
Classroom Considerations
  • Consider pausing the video at each point for discussion and/or examples
  • One of the examples corrects a sentence into passive voice; depending on your preference, you may want to offer an alternative option for correction 
Pros
  • Fun and engaging for all learners, even your most reluctant grammarians
  • Encourages kids to think about the way they write, as well as the difference between clear and obscure writing
  • Provides an assessment and reading passage for extra practice
Cons
  • None