Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Front

What is a misplaced modifier?

Back

A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word it modifies, leading to confusion or ambiguity in a sentence.

Front

Provide an example of a misplaced modifier.

Back

"The young lady was walking the dog on the telephone." (Corrected: "The young lady on the telephone was walking the dog.")

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

Identify a dangling modifier in a sentence.

Back

"Waking in the night, the fire engine could be heard." (The modifier 'Waking in the night' does not clearly modify 'the fire engine.')

Front

What is the difference between a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier?

Back

A misplaced modifier is incorrectly placed in a sentence, while a dangling modifier lacks a clear subject to modify.

Front

Provide an example of a correct sentence without modifiers.

Back

"We were told the concert would begin at midnight." (This sentence is clear and correct.)

Front

Identify the misplaced modifier in this sentence: "Covered with cream sauce, my husband loves spinach soufflé."

Back

The misplaced modifier is 'Covered with cream sauce,' which incorrectly suggests that the husband is covered with cream sauce.

Front

What is the purpose of modifiers in a sentence?

Back

Modifiers add detail and description to sentences, helping to clarify meaning.

Front

How can you correct a misplaced modifier?

Back

To correct a misplaced modifier, rearrange the sentence so that the modifier is placed next to the word it is meant to modify.

Front

What is an example of a sentence with a dangling modifier?

Back

"After reading the book, the movie was disappointing." (The modifier 'After reading the book' does not clearly modify a subject.)