diff --git a/src/cthulhu/cthulhu.py b/src/cthulhu/cthulhu.py
index e22e693..d927d69 100644
--- a/src/cthulhu/cthulhu.py
+++ b/src/cthulhu/cthulhu.py
@@ -60,19 +60,16 @@ class APIHelper:
             from . import keybindings
             key_parts = key.lower().split("+")
 
-            # Determine appropriate modifier mask
+            # Start with the base Cthulhu modifier
             modifiers = keybindings.CTHULHU_MODIFIER_MASK
 
             # Extract the final key (without modifiers)
             final_key = key_parts[-1]
 
-            # Check for additional modifiers
+            # Check for additional modifiers and combine them properly
             if "shift" in key_parts:
+                # Use the pre-defined combined mask rather than trying to OR them
                 modifiers = keybindings.CTHULHU_SHIFT_MODIFIER_MASK
-            elif "ctrl" in key_parts or "control" in key_parts:
-                modifiers = keybindings.CTHULHU_CTRL_MODIFIER_MASK
-            elif "alt" in key_parts:
-                modifiers = keybindings.CTHULHU_ALT_MODIFIER_MASK
 
             # Create a keybinding handler
             class GestureHandler:
@@ -104,8 +101,8 @@ class APIHelper:
                 bindings.add(binding)
 
                 # Store binding for later reference
-                if contextName not in self._gestureBindings:
-                    self._gestureBindings[contextName] = []
+            if contextName not in self._gestureBindings:
+                self._gestureBindings[contextName] = []
                 self._gestureBindings[contextName].append(binding)
 
                 # Register key grab at the system level