Lesson 41. Loose Modifiers│The Mechanics of Fiction Writing

Understanding Loose Modifiers in Sentence Construction

Introduction to Loose Modifiers

• The speaker credits Brooks Landon's lecture series "Building Great Sentences" for insights on sentence construction, particularly loose modifiers.

• Loose modifiers provide writers with flexibility, allowing sentences to expand from a base clause. They can modify various elements within the base clause and other modifiers.

Benefits of Using Loose Modifiers

• When used correctly, loose modifiers create fluid and easy-to-follow sentences, prevalent in the works of skilled fiction writers.

• The basic formula involves taking a base clause, adding a comma, and then appending an adjectival phrase. This method allows for extensive sentence expansion.

Example of Sentence Expansion

• An example illustrates how loose modifiers can be added repeatedly to extend a sentence significantly while maintaining grammatical correctness.

• Each phrase in the long example connects back to previous phrases, enhancing reader engagement without overwhelming them with information.

Formation of Loose Modifiers

• Brooks Landon outlines ten common methods for forming second-level (and beyond) loose modifying phrases.

• These include verbal forms, articles combined with nouns or adjectives, possessive pronouns, and similes/metaphors.

Practical Application of Loose Modifiers

• Emphasis is placed on familiarizing oneself with these constructions rather than memorizing terminology; practice leads to fluency.

• The speaker compares mastering these constructions to learning musical scales—repetitive practice leads to natural proficiency.

Examples of Different Types of Loose Modifying Phrases

Base Clause Example: "The boxer threw a punch."

• A simple base clause serves as the foundation for demonstrating various types of loose modifying phrases that enhance clarity and imagery.

Types of Modifying Phrases:

1. Verbal Start:

• Examples show how using "-ed" or "-ing" forms can add depth: "The boxer threw a punch, dropping his opponent..."

2. Verbal + Adverb:

• Adding adverbs enhances action description: "The boxer threw a punch, lurching forward explosively..."

3. Article + Base Noun:

• Restating nouns clarifies what is being modified: "The boxer threw a punch, a punch that would make boxing history."

4. Article + Adjective + Base Noun:

• Further describing nouns adds detail: "The boxer threw a punch, the most dangerous punch imaginable."

5. Complex Article + Adjective + Noun + Prepositional Phrase:

Understanding Modifying Phrases in Sentences

Appositives and Their Usage

• Appositives are phrases that replace a noun, providing additional descriptive information. Example: “The instructor stood before the class, a thirty-year-old grad student from Omaha delivering her first full lecture.”

• Examples of appositives include: “The boxer threw a punch, a left hook destined to land.” This technique helps avoid repetition while enhancing detail.

Possessive Pronouns in Modifiers

• Possessive pronouns (my, your, his, etc.) indicate ownership and can introduce descriptive information about nouns. Example: “The boxer threw a punch, his arms screaming with fatigue.”

• Another example includes: “The boxer threw a punch, its desperation signaling the end of his reign as champion,” showcasing flexibility in sentence structure.

Adverbs and New Information

• Starting modifying phrases with adverbs or articles can add depth. For instance: “The boxer threw a punch, desperately trying to ward off the champion’s advance.”

• Using entirely new information can also be effective but should remain relevant to the context. Example: “The boxer threw a punch, the raucous crowd rising with anticipation.”

Stringing Modifiers Together

• To expand sentences using loose modifiers involves taking a base clause and adding multiple layers of detail. Example process starts with "The bear ran up the tree."

• Continue adding details without ending the sentence prematurely; for instance: "The bear ran up the tree, its claws tearing into the delicate bark as bees pursued."

Common Mistakes with Loose Modifiers

• Two common pitfalls include creating independent clauses instead of phrases (comma splices), which confuse readers.

• A dangling modifier occurs when it modifies an unintended subject. Example: "Having eaten lunch, the bus left the station," humorously implies buses eat lunch.

Understanding Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

The Challenge of Dangling Modifiers

• Dangling modifiers can be difficult to identify as readers often make the same logical assumptions as the writer, leading to confusion about what is being modified.

• It’s crucial for writers to clearly understand what their loose modifiers are modifying to avoid ambiguity.

Issues with Distance in Modifiers

• Sometimes, the item being modified is present but distanced from its modifier, complicating reader comprehension.

• An example illustrates this issue: "The thief ran when he saw the cop, abandoning the stolen car," where the modifier “abandoning the stolen car” misleads readers into thinking it refers to the cop instead of the thief.

Fixing Misplaced Modifiers

• A revised sentence clarifies meaning: “When he saw the cop, the thief ran, abandoning the stolen car,” placing the noun closer to its modifier for better clarity.

• Two effective strategies for addressing dangling or misplaced modifiers include:

• Rewrite: Ensure that inferred elements are explicitly stated (e.g., "Having eaten lunch, the driver eased the bus out of the station").

• Restructure: Adjust sentence structure so that loose modifiers are clear (e.g., "Lunch hour was over...").

Mastery of Loose Modifying Phrases

• Understanding and effectively using loose modifying phrases enhances writing fluidity and clarity.