IELTS Complex Modifier Placement Exercises

Complex Modifier Placement

Rule Explanation

• Definition: A complex modifier is a multiword phrase or clause (for example, a participial phrase like "Running late to the meeting" or a relative clause like "who had been waiting for hours") that adds descriptive detail. Mastery of complex modifiers demonstrates advanced sentence structure.
• Placement Principle: Always position a modifier directly adjacent to the word it describes. This prevents unintended meanings or confusion about what is being modified.
• Usage in IELTS: In both writing and speaking, correct modifier placement contributes to a higher score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion. Examiners reward clarity and cohesion, so well-placed modifiers can help you reach band 7 or above.
• Guidelines:
  • If a sentence begins with a participial phrase, its subject must immediately follow:

    Having checked all the data, the researcher began writing her report.

  • Place relative clauses directly after their head noun:

    The students who completed the assignment early received extra feedback.

  • Avoid squinting modifiers that could refer to the preceding or following word.
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  • Dangling Modifier: "After finishing the article, the deadline approached quickly. (Implies the deadline finished the article.)
  • Squinting Modifier: "Reading on the train improved my focus." (Unclear whether I read on the train or the train reading improved focus.)
  • Misplaced Modifier: "I spoke to the teacher about the exam in the hallway who was busy." (Does who was busy describe the hallway or the teacher?)
• Tips for IELTS practice:
  • Underline the word you want to modify when drafting.
  • Read your sentences aloud to catch illogical attachments.
  • Rewrite complex sentences to bring modifiers closer to their target nouns.

Examples

• Correct: "Running late for class, she grabbed her notebook and dashed out the door."

  The participial phrase "Running late for class" directly modifies she, making the sentence clear and logical.

• Correct: "The students who submitted their essays early received detailed feedback."

  The relative clause "who submitted their essays early" follows The students, so there’s no confusion about who submitted early.

• Correct: "The old oak tree, towering over the meadow, provided welcome shade on hot days."

  The participial phrase "towering over the meadow" is placed immediately after The old oak tree, correctly describing the tree.

• Common mistake: "Walking through the museum, the exhibits were fascinating."

  This implies the exhibits were walking. Correct it: "Walking through the museum, I found the exhibits fascinating."

Practice Question

Choose the sentence that correctly places the modifier phrase "waiting at the station":

A) Waiting at the station, the train was abandoned by the passengers.
B) Arriving late, the train station platform was already crowded.
C) The passengers waiting at the station boarded the train quickly.
D) The passengers boarded the train waiting at the station quickly.

Show Answer

Answer: C) The passengers waiting at the station boarded the train quickly.
Explanation: The phrase "waiting at the station" appears immediately after The passengers, clearly indicating who is waiting. Other options misplace the modifier or attach it to the wrong noun.

Key Takeaways

• Place complex modifiers (participial phrases, relative clauses) directly next to the words they modify to ensure clarity.
• Avoid dangling, squinting, or misplaced modifiers to prevent unintended meanings.
• Underline target nouns and read sentences aloud to spot errors.
• Practice sentence structure suggestions with Lingo Copilot