Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

Front

What is a dangling modifier?

Back

A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. It often creates confusion about what is being modified.

Front

What is a misplaced modifier?

Back

A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that is improperly separated from the word it modifies, leading to confusion or a misleading sentence.

Front

Identify the error: "Walking down the hallway, all the lockers were open."

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because it suggests that 'all the lockers' were walking.

Front

Identify the error: "After learning to sit and roll over, Walter entered his puppy in a local dog show."

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier because it suggests that Walter entered his puppy after learning.

Front

How can you correct a dangling modifier?

Back

To correct a dangling modifier, clarify the subject that the modifier is intended to describe.

Front

How can you correct a misplaced modifier?

Back

To correct a misplaced modifier, reposition the modifier closer to the word it is intended to modify.

Front

Example of a correct sentence: "The football captain was dazzled by the homecoming queen in her spike heels and ruffled dress."

Back

This sentence is correct because it clearly indicates who was dazzled and what they were wearing.

Front

What is the best way to correct: "Two cars were reported stolen by the police this week."?

Back

The best correction is: "The police reported that two cars were stolen this week.".

Front

What is the purpose of modifiers in a sentence?

Back

Modifiers provide additional information about a noun or verb, helping to clarify meaning.

Front

What is an example of a misplaced modifier?

Back

"She almost drove her kids to school every day." (It suggests she didn't drive them every day, but rather almost did.)