Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Learning Goal: In this lesson, you will learn how to avoid misplaced and dangling modifiers in your writing.
A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that appears to modify the wrong word. To avoid misplaced modifiers, position modifying words or phrases as close as possible to the word they modify.
Examples: Misplaced: Jason showed me the report that he wrote on trees.
Correct: Jason showed me the report on trees that he wrote.
A dangling modifier modifies a word that is implied, but not actually stated, in the sentence. Dangling modifiers are a common error in sentences beginning with a modifying phrase. To fix a dangling modifier, you may have to rephrase the sentence.
Examples: Dangling: Feeling ill, the doctors could find nothing wrong.
Correct: Although I felt ill, the doctors could find nothing wrong.
Examples: Misplaced: Jason showed me the report that he wrote on trees.
Correct: Jason showed me the report on trees that he wrote.
A dangling modifier modifies a word that is implied, but not actually stated, in the sentence. Dangling modifiers are a common error in sentences beginning with a modifying phrase. To fix a dangling modifier, you may have to rephrase the sentence.
Examples: Dangling: Feeling ill, the doctors could find nothing wrong.
Correct: Although I felt ill, the doctors could find nothing wrong.
Source:
Language Power J. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print
Language Power J. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print