Sentence Patterns 11-13

Sentence Patterns Modifiers Patterns 11, 11A, 12, 13

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Interrupting Modifier Between Subject and Verb

S, modifier, V S – modifier – V S (modifier that whispers) V

Example Donuts and Danish pastries, popular breakfast foods, contain little nutrition. A small drop of ink, falling (as Bryan said) like dew upon a thought, can make millions think.

Pattern 11 Tips 

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When a modifier comes between a subject and verb, you may separate it from the main elements of the sentence with commas or dashes. If the modifier is an aside within the sentence, put parentheses around it Punctuation determines the type of emphasis you give the modifier Punctuation marks, which go in pairs, set off the modifier dramatically

A Full Sentence as Interrupting Modifier  

S – a full sentence – V S - ( a full sentence) – verb

Example Juliet’s famous question – early in the balcony scenes she asks, “Wherefore art thou, Romeo?” – is often misunderstood: she meant not “where” but “why.” Narcissus ignored Echo so completely (how could he? She was such a lovely nymph!) that she just faded away.

Pattern 11A Tips Do not put a period before the second dash unless the statement is a quotation  The interrupting modifier does not always come between the subject and the verb 

Introductory or Concluding Participles Participial phrase, S V.  S V, participial phrase. 

Example Preserving, determined to succeed, driven by wonderlust, blessed with discipline, the pioneers forged a civilization out of a wilderness.

Pattern 12 Variations Shifting the movable participial phrase to various positions creates subtle changes in meaning or emphasis Example Guarding us with their powerful guns, the heavily armed soldiers at the Rio conference looked ominous. The heavily armed soldiers guarding us with their powerful guns at the Rio conference looked ominous. The heavily armed soldiers at the Rio conference, guarding us with their powerful guns, looked ominous. 

A Single Modifier Out of Place for Emphasis 

Modifier, S V. (modifier may be in another position)

Example Below, the traffic looked like a necklace of ants. The general demanded absolute obedience, instant and unquestioning.

Pattern 13 Tips To place additional emphasis on any modifier, put it somewhere other than its normal place in the sentence  Avoid the split infinitive in formal writing 