Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A modifier is a word or phrase that provides additional information about another word in a sentence. It adds detail, description, clarification, limitation, or emphasis.
Related terms
Descriptive Language/Adjectives/Adverbs/Nouns/Phrases/Clauses: Different types of modifiers that provide specific details about people, places, things, actions, or qualities.
Limiting Modifier: A modifier that narrows down the meaning of a word or phrase by specifying its quantity, quality, or extent.
Misplaced Modifier: A modifier that is not placed close enough to the word it modifies, causing confusion or ambiguity in the sentence.