Wilbers: Weekly Tip

Many writers tend to place limiting modifiers – even, only, and just – before verbs rather than before the words or phrases they modify, as in “This regulation only applies to part-time employees” rather than “This regulation applies only to part-time employees.”

Move only to its proper location in the sentence below.

I had only said three words before the interviewer cut me off.

Answer

Many writers tend to place limiting modifiers – even, only, and just – before verbs rather than before the words or phrases they modify, as in “This regulation only applies to part-time employees” rather than “This regulation applies only to part-time employees.”

Move only to its proper location in the sentence below.

I had said [only] three words before the interviewer cut me off.

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Weekly Tip

For greater emphasis and clarity,
place limiting modifiers immediately before the words or phrases they modify.

Weekly Tip

For greater emphasis and clarity,
place limiting modifiers immediately before the words or phrases they modify.

Weekly Tip

For greater emphasis and clarity, place limiting modifiers immediately before the words or phrases they modify.

Weekly Tip

For greater emphasis and clarity, place limiting modifiers immediately before the words or phrases they modify.

For greater emphasis and clarity,
place limiting modifiers immediately before the words or phrases they modify.

For greater emphasis and clarity,
place limiting modifiers immediately before the words or phrases they modify.