Which illustrates the correct terminology that the proposer of a motion should use to modify a motion?

• A. Permission is requested to modify by ...
• B. I request permission to modify
• C. I move to modify by
• D. I move to change the motion by

Answer: (A)

In this situation, the act being tested is how to handle changing a motion through proper parliamentary procedure by seeking consent before proposing the change. The strongest wording emphasizes requesting permission to modify the motion, rather than immediately stating a modification. This frames the action as a formal proposal to alter the motion that must be considered and approved by the assembly, keeping the process orderly and allowing debate on whether to permit the change. By saying that permission is requested to modify by, the proposer signals that a specific modification will follow once permission is granted, which aligns with the procedural flow where amendments are debated and voted on after authorization. The other forms move straight to proposing a modification, which can skip the necessary step of obtaining the body’s consent to change what’s on the floor.