Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers

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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.

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What is a dangling modifier?

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How can you fix a misplaced modifier?

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

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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.

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

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