Dangling vs. 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 correct sentence: 'The car salesman showed the car to the woman that was a two-door.'

Back

Incorrect. The correct sentence is: 'The car salesman showed the car that was clean and shiny to the woman.'

Front

Identify the correct sentence: 'Running through the house, the mom yelled at the wild child.'

Back

Correct. The subject (the mom) is clear.

Front

Identify the sentence with a dangling modifier: 'Running through the house, the walls shook.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because it suggests that the walls were running.

Front

Identify the sentence with a misplaced modifier: 'Falling over the log, I watched the boy scrape his knee.'

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier because it suggests that the boy was falling over the log.

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

How can you correct a dangling modifier?

Back

To correct a dangling modifier, ensure that the word or phrase clearly refers to a specific noun in the sentence.

Front

How can you correct a misplaced modifier?

Back

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

Front

Identify the correct sentence: 'I handed my mom a bouquet of roses that were freshly cut.'

Back

Correct. This sentence clearly indicates who received the bouquet.