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.

Front

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 or confusion.

Front

Identify the error: 'Having finished the book, the movie was watched.'

Back

This sentence contains a dangling modifier; it suggests that the movie finished the book.

Front

Identify the error: 'She almost drove her kids to school every day.'

Back

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier; it suggests that she almost drove, not that she drove her kids.

Front

Correct the sentence: 'Running down the street, the dog chased the cat.'

Back

The sentence should clarify who was running: 'Running down the street, the cat was chased by the dog.'

Front

Correct the sentence: 'The teacher gave a lecture to the students on the importance of studying.'

Back

This sentence is correct, but if it were 'The teacher gave a lecture to the importance of studying,' it would be misplaced.

Front

What is the main difference between dangling and misplaced modifiers?

Back

Dangling modifiers lack a clear subject, while misplaced modifiers are incorrectly positioned in relation to the word they modify.

Front

Provide an example of a dangling modifier.

Back

'After reading the book, the movie was disappointing.' (It suggests the movie read the book.)

Front

Provide an example of a misplaced modifier.

Back

'She saw the dog running down the street with a telescope.' (It suggests she used a telescope to see the dog.)

Front

How can you fix a dangling modifier?

Back

To fix a dangling modifier, clarify the subject that the modifier is intended to describe.