Which sentence demonstrates correct placement of the modifier?

Which sentence demonstrates correct placement of the modifier?

• A. At first, Cassie had trouble deciding which college to attend.
• B. Cassie had trouble deciding which college to attend at first.
• C. At first Cassie had trouble deciding which college to attend.
• D. Cassie at first had trouble deciding which college to attend.

Answer: (A)

Introductory time phrases should be followed by a comma because they introduce when the action happens and apply to the whole statement. Placing “At first” at the beginning and setting it off with a comma keeps the timing clear and the sentence flowing naturally: At first, Cassie had trouble deciding which college to attend. When the introductory phrase isn’t separated by a comma, as in the other options, the reader can stumble over the rhythm or misread the connection to the main clause. Placing the modifier after the subject, as in Cassie at first had trouble..., awkwardly interrupts the subject and disturbs the natural sentence flow. Ending the sentence with the time phrase, as in Cassie had trouble deciding which college to attend at first, shifts emphasis and lacks the clean introductory-timing cue the sentence needs.

Introductory time phrases should be followed by a comma because they introduce when the action happens and apply to the whole statement. Placing “At first” at the beginning and setting it off with a comma keeps the timing clear and the sentence flowing naturally: At first, Cassie had trouble deciding which college to attend.

When the introductory phrase isn’t separated by a comma, as in the other options, the reader can stumble over the rhythm or misread the connection to the main clause. Placing the modifier after the subject, as in Cassie at first had trouble..., awkwardly interrupts the subject and disturbs the natural sentence flow. Ending the sentence with the time phrase, as in Cassie had trouble deciding which college to attend at first, shifts emphasis and lacks the clean introductory-timing cue the sentence needs.