Question

Invented by James Hargreaves in 1765, the spinning jenny was capable of spinning eight to eleven threads at one time. (no error, misplaced modifier)

Short answer

The correct sentence structure should be 'The spinning jenny, invented by James Hargreaves in 1765, was capable of spinning eight to eleven threads at one time.'

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Misplaced Modifier

Firstly, one needs to understand what a misplaced modifier is. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that does not clearly relate to what it is intended to modify. In other words, it is out of position, and it can lead to awkwardness or confusion.

Identify the Misplaced Modifier

Now, applying this definition to the given sentence. A careful reading of the sentence reveals that the modifier 'Invented by James Hargreaves in 1765' seems to be modifying 'the spinning jenny' but is not perfectly fitting into the sentence. Based on our understanding, the phrase should come next to 'the spinning jenny' to remove ambiguity.

Correct the Misplaced Modifier

To correct the misplaced modifier, the sentence could be rewritten as 'The spinning jenny, invented by James Hargreaves in 1765, was capable of spinning eight to eleven threads at one time.' In this revised sentence, the phrase 'invented by James Hargreaves in 1765' is correctly modifying 'the spinning jenny', removing the previous confusion.

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

When crafting a sentence in English, it's essential to maintain a clear and logical structure. This means placing words and phrases in an order that allows the reader to easily understand the intended meaning. A well-structured sentence should follow basic grammatical rules and ensure that modifiers are positioned correctly to clarify the subject and action.
For example, in the original exercise, the sentence begins with a phrase that describes a specific invention. It's crucial to place this descriptive phrase near the noun it modifies, which is "the spinning jenny," to keep the sentence clear and concise.
Proper sentence structure not only keeps the focus on the main subject but also allows additional information to be absorbed comfortably. Design sentences to guide the reader naturally without forcing them to interpret convoluted or ambiguous parts.

Modifier Correction

Misplaced modifiers are a common pitfall in English writing. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause providing additional information about another element in the sentence. When misplaced, it can create confusion and unintentionally change the sentence's meaning.
Understanding how to correctly place modifiers can greatly enhance the clarity of your writing. In our exercise, the phrase "Invented by James Hargreaves in 1765" was initially positioned in a way that could cause confusion. Modifiers like this should be positioned as closely as possible to the words they modify.
Correctly positioning modifiers keeps your sentences clear and ensures the reader interprets them as intended. By placing "invented by James Hargreaves in 1765" immediately following "the spinning jenny," the sentence clearly communicates which invention is being discussed.

English Grammar

English grammar governs the rules of sentence construction, including how modifiers are used. Grammar provides a framework that helps to convey meaning clearly and effectively.
Modifiers are a crucial part of this framework, as they add precision and detail to sentences. However, for them to serve their purpose, it's important that they are properly placed. Misplacement can lead to errors in understanding or convey incorrect information.
In the given sentence, understanding English grammar helps identify the placement of "Invented by James Hargreaves in 1765." Applying foundational grammatical principles, such as keeping related components close together, ensures that the intended meaning is preserved across different audiences.

Writing Clarity

Achieving clarity in writing is crucial for effective communication. Clarity involves formulating sentences that are easily understood by readers, with minimal room for misinterpretation.
Misplaced modifiers tend to obscure clarity by distancing important information from the words they describe. To write clearly, it is essential to arrange your words so that their relationships and meanings are obvious.
Revising the exercise sentence improved writing clarity by placing information directly next to the element it modifies. This helps the reader to process the information swiftly and accurately. Strive for clarity by carefully considering the placement of each word and phrase in your sentences.