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.
Summary
Understanding Dangling Modifiers: What You Need to Know
Have you ever come across a sentence that left you scratching your head, unsure of who or what it was referring to? That confusion may have been caused by a dangling modifier. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the term; we're here to shed light on this grammatical concern and help you fix it like a pro.
So, what exactly is a dangling modifier? Well, it's a sneaky word or phrase within a sentence that fails to clearly point to a specific subject. Let's dive deeper into how you can recognize and rectify these linguistic culprits.
Spotting a Dangling Modifier
Dangling modifiers often show up at the beginning of a sentence, but they can also be found lurking at the end. Here are a few telltale signs to watch out for:
Opening phrases: Dangling modifiers frequently appear right at the start of a sentence. They might begin with the word "to" or contain verbs ending in "-ing."
For example, take a look at this sentence: "To be excused from class, a doctor's note is required." Here, we can't be certain who needs the doctor's note to be excused. The opening phrase "To be excused from class" is the dangling modifier, as it doesn't clearly connect with a specific subject.
To fix it, we can rephrase the sentence to say: "To be excused from class, students are required to present a doctor's note." Now, it's clear that it's the students who need the doctor's note to be excused.
Ending phrases: Dangling modifiers can also sneak in at the end of a sentence. Again, they might feature verbs ending in "-ing" or other ambiguous elements.
Consider this example: "After using the MLA format for several papers, this citation method became familiar and uncomplicated." Here, we're left wondering who used the MLA format for their papers. The phrase "After using the MLA format for several papers" is the dangling modifier.
To rectify the issue, we can rework the sentence as follows: "After using the MLA format for several papers, Matt found that this citation method became familiar and uncomplicated." Now, it's evident that Matt is the one writing the papers and becoming familiar with the MLA format.
Tackling Dangling Modifiers: Your Solutions
When it comes to fixing dangling modifiers, you have two primary options to consider. Let's explore both approaches:
Option A: Identify the subject within the independent clause
In some cases, you can locate the subject performing the action within the independent clause, which follows the opening phrase. For instance:
Dangling Modifier: Having studied for ten straight days, the test was very easy to pass.
Here, it seems like the test itself studied for ten days, which doesn't make sense. The phrase "Having studied for ten straight days" is the dangling modifier.
To correct it, we can revise the sentence to say: "Having studied for ten straight days, Justin found the test very easy to pass." Now, it's clear that Justin found the test easy to pass after studying.
Option B: Identify the subject within the dangling modifier
Alternatively, you can find the subject performing the action within the dangling modifier itself. Let's take a look at an example:
Dangling Modifier: After trying out many different recipes, the cookies were deemed perfect by the children as they ate them all.
In this sentence, it's unclear who tried out the various cookie recipes. The phrase "After trying out many different recipes" is the dangling modifier.
To address this, we can rephrase the sentence like so: "After Theresa tried out many different recipes, the cookies were deemed perfect by the children."