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.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

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 unclear or illogical sentences.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

Identify the error: 'Muffled in heavy clothing, the hike up the mountain was tiring.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier. It suggests that the hike was muffled in heavy clothing, which is incorrect.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

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

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier. It implies that the noise was standing near the runway, which is incorrect.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

Identify the error: 'Worried, dark circles appeared under Nathan's eyes.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier. It suggests that the dark circles were worried, which is incorrect.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

Identify the error: 'Frightened by our presence, the rabbit perked up its ears and twitched its nose.'

Back

This sentence is correct. The modifier 'Frightened by our presence' correctly describes the rabbit.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

How can you fix a dangling modifier?

Back

To fix a dangling modifier, clarify the subject that the modifier is intended to describe, often by rephrasing the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

How can you fix a misplaced modifier?

Back

To fix a misplaced modifier, reposition it closer to the word it modifies to eliminate confusion.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

Example of a correct sentence with a modifier: 'The cat, frightened by the loud noise, hid under the bed.'

Back

In this sentence, 'frightened by the loud noise' correctly describes the cat.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C

Front

Example of a misplaced modifier: 'She almost drove her kids to school every day.'

Back

This implies she nearly drove them, but did not. The correct meaning should be 'She drove her kids to school almost every day.'

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

CCSS.L.7.1C