Modifier Mishaps

Modifier Mishaps

Misplaced Modifier

A misplaced modifier is a phrase that modifies a noun but is placed in such a way that it seems to be modifying something else. Misplaced modifiers are misleading and must be corrected.

Multiple Choice

Which answer gives the best way to correct the example sentence?

Teeth snapping, the children ran from the rabid dog.

• Move “teeth snapping” to the end after “dog”

• Move “teeth snapping” between “ran” and “from”

Multiple Choice

Suffering from an ulcer, the doctor did what he could to help his patient.

• Move “suffering from an ulcer” between “could” and “to”

• Move “suffering from an ulcer” to the end after “patient”

Multiple Choice

I need someone to babysit my son without a criminal record.

• Move “without a criminal record” to the beginning of the sentence

• Move “without a criminal record” between “someone” and “to”

Dangling Modifier

A dangling modifier is phrase that modifies a noun that isn’t clearly stated in the sentence. Dangling modifiers are confusing and should be corrected.

Multiple Choice

Which answer gives the best way to rewrite the example sentence?

Walking through the trees, birds were singing everywhere.

• Birds were singing everywhere, walking through the trees.

• Walking through the trees, we heard birds singing everywhere.

Multiple Choice

With a shriek of pain, her ankle broke.

• With a shriek of pain, Mary realized her ankle was broken.

• Her ankle broke with a shriek of pain.

Multiple Choice

Leaping into the air, the Frisbee was caught.

• The Frisbee was caught, leaping through the air.

• Leaping into the air, the dog caught the Frisbee.

Open Ended

Why is it important to recognize misplaced and dangling modifiers in your writing?