Les. 103: Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

What is a misplaced modifier?

• A phrase that modifies multiple words.

• A word that modifies the wrong sentence.

• A modifier placed too far from the word it modifies.

• A sentence missing a subject.

How can you fix a misplaced modifier?

• Replace the modifier with a synonym.

• Add more modifiers to the sentence.

• Rearrange the sentence to place the modifier closer to the word it modifies.

• Remove the modifier entirely.

What is the key difference between misplaced and dangling modifiers?

• Misplaced modifiers modify the wrong word, while dangling modifiers lack a clear subject to modify.

• Misplaced modifiers are intentional, while dangling modifiers are accidental.

• Misplaced modifiers are always prepositional phrases, while dangling modifiers are adjectives.

• Misplaced modifiers are used in poetry, while dangling modifiers are used in essays.

Select all the steps to identifying and avoiding misplaced and dangling modifiers in writing.

• Identify all the modifiers in the sentence.

• Identify the words they modify.

• Check for a close relationship between the word and the modifier.

• Avoid using modifiers altogether.

• Rearrange the sentence of there is any problem.

Identify the misplaced phrase.

The family pored over travel brochures checking on activities and attractions to see.

(a)  

Identify the misplaced phrase.

Mom made a final list of selected family-friendly activities jotting down all the suggestions.

(a)  

Rewrite the sentence relocating the mispaced modifier to show a clearer relationship with the word they modify.

The family spent the day at the water park sliding down the tube and body slides.

(a)  

Rewrite the sentence relocating the mispaced modifier to show a clearer relationship with the word they modify.

Two-by-two the kids rode the exhilarating, fast-water tube pitching this way and that.

(a)