English Modifiers 101

Question: What is a modifier?

Answer:  In brief, a modifier is a word or phrase that changes another word in the sentence.  For example, one-word modifiers include very, quickly, and frequently.

Question:  Does it matter where you put them in a sentence?

Answer:  Of course!  Modifiers should always be close to the word they change.  One-word modifiers generally go before the word they change.  Modifier phrases often go after the word they change.

Question:  Where can I find more information on modifiers?

Answer:  Here are some resources I find helpful.   

Grammar Girl offers a quick and easy to understand explanation.

The Guide to Writing and Grammar  gives examples (and non-examples) of successfully using modifiers.

Lastly, Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) is always a great resource.