Modifying patterns is harder than learning that basic technique you're trying to avoid.

If you're asking how to modify a pattern from being knit in the round to flat because you're intimidated by knitting in the round... Or worse, you're trying to modify a pattern to avoid learning how to purl... You're in for a rude shock. If your skills are so basic you are having trouble with what truly are other basic skills, you don't have the knowledge to modify a pattern. Please stop asking for tips for this fools errand.