Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers

Front

What is a misplaced modifier?

Back

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

Front

Example of a misplaced modifier:

Back

"Spitting out hot lava, my friend bravely took photos of the active volcano." (This suggests that the friend is spitting out hot lava.)

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, often leading to confusion.

Front

Example of a dangling modifier:

Back

"Coming home late, the house was dark." (This suggests that the house was coming home late.)

Front

How can you identify a misplaced modifier?

Back

Look for modifiers that are placed too far from the word they are supposed to modify, causing confusion.

Front

How can you identify a dangling modifier?

Back

Check if the subject being modified is clearly stated in the sentence; if not, it may be dangling.

Front

Correct the misplaced modifier: "I saw a dead raccoon driving on the highway."

Back

"While driving on the highway, I saw a dead raccoon."

Front

Correct the dangling modifier: "Coming home late, the house was dark."

Back

"Coming home late, I found the house dark."

Front

What is the effect of a misplaced modifier on a sentence?

Back

It can change the meaning of the sentence or make it unclear.

Front

What is the effect of a dangling modifier on a sentence?

Back

It can create confusion about what is being modified, leading to unclear or nonsensical sentences.