Dangling/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, often leading to confusion.

Front

What is a misplaced modifier?

Back

A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that is improperly separated from the word it modifies, causing ambiguity.

Front

Identify the error: 'Though not a fan of scary movies, A Quiet Place is actually quite good.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier; it incorrectly suggests that 'A Quiet Place' is not a fan of scary movies.

Front

Identify the error: 'Being very shy, strangers easily frighten my little sister, Maggie.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier; it incorrectly suggests that 'strangers' are being shy.

Front

Identify the error: 'Standing near the runway, the sound of the jets was deafening.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier; it incorrectly suggests that 'the sound of the jets' was standing near the runway.

Front

Identify the error: 'Under a glowing harvest moon, Deirdre walked her dog carrying a cell phone and a steaming mug of peppermint tea.'

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier; it suggests that 'the dog' is carrying the cell phone and mug.

Front

Identify the error: 'The child on the bike, the blonde one, is my son.'

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier; it suggests that 'the blonde one' is the child on the bike.

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How can you correct a dangling modifier?

Back

To correct a dangling modifier, clarify the subject of the modifier in the sentence.

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

What is an example of a correct sentence without modifiers?

Back

'The dog barked loudly.' This sentence has no modifiers that could cause confusion.