Misplaced and 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.

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

Give an example of a misplaced modifier.

Back

"She almost drove her kids to school every day." (It suggests she nearly did, but didn't.)

Front

Give an example of a dangling modifier.

Back

"After reading the book, the movie was disappointing." (It suggests the movie read the book.)

Front

How can you correct a misplaced modifier?

Back

Rearrange the sentence so that the modifier is next to the word it is supposed to modify.

Front

How can you correct a dangling modifier?

Back

Rewrite the sentence to include the word that the modifier is supposed to modify.

Front

What is the correct placement of modifiers in a sentence?

Back

Modifiers should be placed next to the word they modify to avoid confusion.

Front

Identify the correct sentence: "Exhausted by his first day at school, Sam's eyes closed in the middle of his favorite TV show." or "Exhausted by his first day at school, Sam closed his eyes in the middle of his favorite TV show."

Back

"Exhausted by his first day at school, Sam closed his eyes in the middle of his favorite TV show." (This sentence correctly places the modifier.)

Front

What is the effect of a misplaced modifier on a sentence?

Back

It can change the meaning of the sentence or make it confusing.

Front

What is the effect of a dangling modifier on a sentence?

Back

It can create ambiguity or make the sentence illogical.