Cat claw hyphenated modifier
- 1. Cat Claw: Hyphenated Modifier - - - - - - Definition: A group of words (or complete sentence) that can be used to describe a noun and add never-to-be-forgotten voice to your writing. (Note: Be careful NOT to attach the hyphenated modifier to the noun. Only the describing words are attached.
- 2. Examples: • When I got a C- minus on my report card, my mother gave me the I-am-very-dissappointed-you-can-do-better- than-this speech. • I stared at my brother with my perfected you-touch-you- die deranged-animal stare. • The girls in 4th period always bring their the-earth-revolves- around-us attitudes. • My dad had an I’ll-throw-you-out-the-second-story- window tone in his voice. • I gave my coach the I’m-really-tired-and-I-wished-we- could-stop-and-eat-brownies-for-the-rest-of-the- period-because-I-just-might-roll-over-and-die- before-I’m-fourteen-and-get-a-chance-to-live- a-full-exciting-life sigh.
- 3. Examples: • My mom started staring at me with the you-know-what-you- did glare. • My coach gave me the you-are-out-of-the-game sign. • My brother did the I-gotta-go-pee dance. • My dog gave me the I’m-going-to-poop-on-your-floor tail wag. • I love it when I come home and startle my mom; she gives me why-did-you-just-do-that look with an I-just-nearly- dropped-dead scream.
- 4. FLIPBOOK • Make sure you have the definition and one of the provided examples in your flipbook. • For your original sentence, choose one of the sentences to revise by DELETING the boring modifier in the parentheses and REPLACING it with a more descriptive hyphenated modifier. • When I called my mom from the Assistant Principal’s office, she spoke to me in her (mad) voice. • I gave my teacher the (sarcastic) smirk. • At the end of the game, the team gave a (proud) cheer. • I had a (weird) look on my face. • My dog looked at me with his (cute) eyes.