English 11: 20.5 Misplaced & Dangling Modifiers (P. 76 & 78)

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 the sentence.

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.

Front

Identify the error: 'Wrapped in my blanket, the cold was no problem.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because 'the cold' is not the one wrapped in the blanket.

Front

Identify the error: 'Removing all the grammar errors, the essay was improved.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because 'the essay' is not the one removing errors.

Front

Identify the error: 'When he was a baby, John's father was elected mayor.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because 'John's father' is not the one being a baby.

Front

Identify the error: 'The pianist played a new composition sitting on the piano bench.'

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier because it suggests that the composition is sitting on the piano bench.

Front

Identify the error: 'I arranged the flowers for my mother using the new vase.'

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier because it suggests that 'using the new vase' modifies 'my mother' instead of 'I'.

Front

How can you correct a dangling modifier?

Back

To correct a dangling modifier, clarify the subject that the modifier is intended to modify.

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

Example of a correct sentence: 'Wrapped in my blanket, I felt warm.'

Back

This sentence correctly uses the modifier because 'I' is the one wrapped in the blanket.