Correcting Dangling Modifiers
Avoid using dangling modifiers.
A modifying word, phrase, or clause that does not clearly and sensibly modify a word or word group in a sentence is a dangling modifier.
To correct a dangling modifier, add or replace words to make the meaning clear and logical.
Examples
DANGLING
- After winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fences, The Piano Lesson was written. [Who won the Pulitzer Prize?]
CLEAR
- After winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fences, August Wilson wrote The Piano Lesson.
Avoid using misplaced modifiers.
A word, phrase, or clause that seems to modify the wrong word or word group in a sentence is a misplaced modifier.
Place modifying words, phrases, and clauses as near as possible to the words they modify.
Examples
MISPLACED
- Perched in the cage, I admired the large, gray parrot. [Was I perched in the cage?]
CLEAR
- I admired the large, gray parrot perched in the cage.
Correcting Dangling Modifiers Quiz
Choose whether that sentence contains a dangling modifier or a
misplaced modifier.