A modifier is a word or phrase that describes something, and it has to sit next to the word it describes. A phrase that opens a sentence, such as Running down the hill, describes the person or thing named right after the comma. If the wrong word follows, the sentence says something silly: Running down the hill, her hat flew off.
On this fifth grade sheet a child reads ten pairs of sentences that start the same way and circles the one in which the opening phrase describes the right person or thing. Each version has different pairs, and the answer key gives every answer.
What your child will learn
Know what a modifier is
Find who or what an opening phrase describes
Put the right word after the comma
Spot a sentence that does not make sense
Common Core standard: L.5.1
Worked example
Running down the hill, Mia lost her hat is clear: Mia was running. Running down the hill, her hat flew off says the hat was running.
Common mistake
Putting a thing right after the opening phrase when a person did the action.
Helpful hint
Ask who or what is doing the action in the opening phrase, and see whether that word comes right after the comma.
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