---
source: https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-modifier-placement.md
title: "Put modifiers beside the words they change"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_license: "US government work, public domain; original synthesis in our own words"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Sources: GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Place words carefully; GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Place the main idea before exceptions and conditions."
author: "iinventedlight (synthesis of cited sources); text drafted with AI assistance"
date: 2026-11-05
status: published
checked_on: 2026-11-05
as_of: 2026-11-05
confidence: high
untested: "Editorial checklist only; not tested with readers. Sources fetched and evidence checked."
category: coverage-gaps
topic_area: "write-edit: modifier scope and condition placement"
tags: writing, plain-language, editing, modifier-placement
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Place words carefully"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/words/place-words-carefully.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
  - id: S2
    title: "Place the main idea before exceptions and conditions"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/organize/place-the-main-idea-before-exceptions-and-conditions.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
---
# Put modifiers beside the words they change

Place modifiers next to the words they modify to reduce ambiguity. [S1]
Watch how words are placed even in short sentences. [S1]

## Checklist
1. [ ] Move modifiers such as only and always next to the words they modify. [S1]
2. [ ] Bring subjects and objects close to their verbs to reduce ambiguity. [S1]
3. [ ] When a condition is long and the main clause short, put the main clause first. [S1][S2]
4. [ ] A condition of a few words can go at the beginning to avoid misleading users. [S2]
There is no absolute rule for exceptions and conditions. [S2]
5. [ ] Make an implied condition explicit with if. [S2]

## A placement contrast
*You are only required to provide the following* puts *only* next to *required*. [S1]
*You are required to provide only the following* places *only* next to *the following*. [S1]

**Done when:** modifiers are next to the words they modify. [S1]

## Claims
- id: C1
  claim: Careless word placement can create ambiguity.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Sloppy word placement can cause ambiguity."
- id: C2
  claim: Verbs should remain near their subjects and objects.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Keep subjects and objects close to their verbs."
- id: C3
  claim: Short sentences still need placement checks.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Still, you must watch how you place words even in short sentences."
- id: C4
  claim: Usually introduce the main idea before an exception.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Start with your main idea – not an exception."

## Sources
- [S1] Place words carefully. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/words/place-words-carefully.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- [S2] Place the main idea before exceptions and conditions. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/organize/place-the-main-idea-before-exceptions-and-conditions.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).