Question
Understanding Misplaced Modifiers How does the misplaced modifier in "I wished for happiness at the fountain" create confusion? by making the order of events confusing to the reader by saying that there was no reason for the person to take longer than usual by suggesting that the fountain wished the person happiness
Ask by Harper Love. in the United States
Jan 24,2025
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Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The misplaced modifier makes it seem like the fountain is the one wishing happiness, which is confusing.
Solution
The misplaced modifier in the sentence "I wished for happiness at the fountain" creates confusion **by suggesting that the fountain wished the person happiness**.
Here's why:
- **Misplaced Modifier Issue:** The phrase "at the fountain" is intended to describe where the speaker wished for happiness. However, because of its placement, it can mistakenly be interpreted as modifying "happiness," implying that the fountain itself is the one doing the wishing.
- **Intended Meaning vs. Misinterpretation:** The intended meaning is that the speaker made the wish while being at the fountain. The misplaced modifier makes it seem as though the fountain has the agency to wish, which is illogical and confusing.
**Correct Option:**
- **By suggesting that the fountain wished the person happiness**
This option accurately captures how the misplaced modifier leads to a misunderstanding about who is performing the action of wishing.
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
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Simplify this solution Beyond the Answer
Misplaced modifiers can be tricky little gremlins in writing! In the sentence "I wished for happiness at the fountain," the placement of "at the fountain" can make it seem like the fountain itself is the one wishing happiness. It creates a whimsical image that can distract from the intended meaning, which is simply about the person's wish for happiness while at the fountain. To avoid such confusion, always place modifiers as close as possible to the words they intend to describe. In this case, rephrasing it to "At the fountain, I wished for happiness" clears up the ambiguity, directing the reader's attention where it belongs—on the wish, not the fountain!
