The Wandering Modifier's Day in Court
A modifier is on trial at the Grammaropolis Courthouse, and Benny is arguing the defense: not guilty, just misplaced. Fill in the missing adverbs and help him win the transfer.
Benny's still at the defense table with the seating chart. Finish up and he'll read the verdict into the record.
Your story is ready. Here is what Benny read.
Tap or hover over any green word to see what kind of word you chose.
The Grammaropolis Courthouse filled on the morning of the trial. A sentence had filed a complaint: its meaning had changed , and the adverb nearly stood accused.
Benny rose for the defense. "Your Honor, read the evidence . The sentence says: Marco nearly painted every fence on Maple Street. My client sat beside the wrong word, so the whole street believes no fence got painted."
The gallery murmured . The court reporter typed the of anyone in the room.
"Seat my client , beside every," Benny continued, "and the sentence finally tells the truth: Marco painted nearly every fence. He skipped one, and he feels terrible about it."
"Objection!" cried the prosecutor . The judge studied both sentences and ruled : not guilty, just misplaced. "Transfer granted."
The adverb changed seats , and the sentence read than it had all week.
"Will you defend every wandering modifier in town?" a reporter shouted .
"I will continue relentlessly."
This story has been filled in before.