Dangling/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.

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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: 'Driving up a rock-strewn mountain, the tire went flat.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier because it suggests that the tire was driving.

Front

Which sentence is clearer: 'On her way to school, Marissa found a woman's green purse.' or 'On her way to school, Marissa found a green woman's purse.'?

Back

The first sentence is clearer because it correctly describes the purse as belonging to a woman.

Front

Where should the modifier be placed in the sentence: 'Ringing, everyone glared at the man with the cell phone.'?

Back

The modifier should be placed before 'cell phone' to clarify what is ringing.

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Identify the correct sentence: 'The lady shopped for a dress with a headache.' or 'The lady with a headache shopped for a dress.'?

Back

The second sentence is correct because it clearly indicates that the lady has a headache.

Front

What is the main purpose of modifiers in a sentence?

Back

Modifiers provide additional information about nouns, verbs, or other modifiers, enhancing clarity and detail.

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How can you fix a dangling modifier?

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You can fix a dangling modifier by rewriting the sentence to clearly state the subject being modified.

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What is an example of a misplaced modifier?

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An example is: 'She almost drove her kids to school every day.' (It suggests she nearly did, not that she did it regularly.)

Front

What is the effect of using modifiers correctly?

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Using modifiers correctly improves sentence clarity and helps convey the intended meaning.