A modifier is a word or words that can give clearer meaning to a sentence; however, if the modifier is misplaced, it can cause even more confusion. Just one misplaced word can completely change the meaning of a sentence.  For example:

Just Sara saw the accident.   (she was the only one)
Sara just saw the accident.    (it just occurred)
Sara saw just the accident.    (she saw nothing more)

Make sure that you place the modifier in front of the correct word to clearly convey your idea.

Modifiers also come in groups of words that can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Look at the following sentence.

Swimming in the aquarium, Albert saw a little blue fish.

This sentence leads us to believe that Albert is inside the aquarium, but that is not the case. 

The sentence should read:

Albert saw a little blue fish swimming in the aquarium.

 

---

Parallelism

The use of parallelism (also known as parallel structure) ensures balance and uniformity in your paper. Similar ideas that are joined together must be expressed in parallel (matching) form.

Examples:

Sara loves sewing and to cook.     

should be
  
Sara loves sewing and cooking. OR Sara loves to sew and to cook.

Quickly but with caution, Bill killed the poisonous spider.

should be

Quickly and cautiously, Bill killed the poisonous spider.

 

---