Limiting Modifiers

Limiting modifiers such as “only” and “always” enforce restrictions on the subject, noun or pronoun they immediately precede. The following is a list of other words considered to be limiting modifiers:

• Just
• Almost
• Hardly
• Not barely
• At first
• Simply

If a limiting modifier does not precede the subject or noun, the meaning of an entire sentence is changed. Notice the difference in the following sentences:

Only Jessica wants pizza.

This sentence implies that Jessica is the only person in a group who wants pizza.

Jessica only wants pizza.

On the other hand, this sentence indicates Jessica wants pizza and nothing else.

The best way to ensure a limited modifier is effectively used in a sentence is to consider the meaning that is to be conveyed and ensure the subject or noun associated with that meaning is placed immediately after the limited modifier.