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: 'Pedaling shakily, the kid rode his bike on his own for the first time.'

Back

This sentence is correct because the modifier 'Pedaling shakily' clearly describes 'the kid'.

Front

Identify the incorrect sentence: 'Pedaling shakily, the bike wobbled.'

Back

This sentence is incorrect because 'the bike' is not the one pedaling; it should describe 'the kid'.

Front

What is the main issue with misplaced modifiers?

Back

The main issue is that they create confusion about what is being modified in the sentence.

Front

Provide an example of a dangling modifier.

Back

'Running down the street, the flowers were beautiful.' (This implies the flowers were running.)

Front

Provide an example of a misplaced modifier.

Back

'She almost drove her kids to school every day.' (This implies she almost drove, not that she did.)

Front

What is the effect of using modifiers correctly?

Back

Using modifiers correctly clarifies meaning and enhances the readability of sentences.

Front

How can you fix a dangling modifier?

Back

You can fix a dangling modifier by ensuring the word being modified is clearly stated in the sentence.

Front

How can you fix a misplaced modifier?

Back

You can fix a misplaced modifier by repositioning it closer to the word it is meant to modify.