Dangling 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 error: 'Reading the directions carefully, the test was quite easy.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because it suggests that the test was reading the directions.

Front

Identify the error: 'Tom fed the kitten in the kitchen that his aunt had given him.'

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier because it implies that the kitchen was given to Tom by his aunt.

Front

Identify the error: 'Complaining loudly, the broken toy was returned to the store.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because it suggests that the broken toy was complaining.

Front

What is the correct way to fix a dangling modifier?

Back

To fix a dangling modifier, clarify the subject that the modifier is intended to describe.

Front

What is the correct way to fix a misplaced modifier?

Back

To fix a misplaced modifier, reposition the modifier so that it is next to the word it is supposed to modify.

Front

Example of a correct sentence: 'She waited for the bus that stops at the corner.'

Back

This sentence is correct because the modifier clearly describes the bus.

Front

Example of a dangling modifier: 'After reading the book, the movie was disappointing.'

Back

This is a dangling modifier because it suggests that the movie read the book.

Front

Example of a misplaced modifier: 'He almost drove his kids to school every day.'

Back

This is a misplaced modifier because it implies he almost drove, not that he did drive.