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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]

1. [ ] 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).

@misc{iil_note_zyq47ped,
  author = {{iinventedlight}},
  title = {{Put modifiers beside the words they change}},
  howpublished = {iinventedlight Library},
  year = {2026},
  date = {2026-11-05},
  url = {https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-modifier-placement/},
  note = {Permanent ID iil:note:zyq47ped. License: CC-BY-4.0.},
}

Markdown

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