Misplaced and Dangling 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.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

Identify the dangling modifier in this sentence: 'Running to catch the bus, his lunch box was dropped.'

Back

The dangling modifier is 'Running to catch the bus.'

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

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.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

Identify the misplaced modifier in this sentence: 'Sam bought a used car from a local dealer with a smoky tailpipe.'

Back

The misplaced modifier is 'with a smoky tailpipe,' which incorrectly suggests that the dealer has the tailpipe.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

How can you correct a dangling modifier?

Back

You can correct a dangling modifier by rewriting the sentence to clearly indicate what is being modified.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

What is the problem with this sentence: 'After the rainstorm, Jeremy walked his dog on a sidewalk covered in wet leaves.'

Back

The sentence is correct; there is no problem with the modifiers.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

Identify the dangling modifier in this sentence: 'Before waking up, the lights were flickering in the room.'

Back

The dangling modifier is 'Before waking up.'

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

What is the issue with this sentence: 'Scrubbing the tile grout with bleach and an old toothbrush, the mildew stains began to fade.'

Back

The issue is that it is unclear who is scrubbing the tile grout.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

How can you identify a dangling modifier?

Back

A dangling modifier can be identified if the subject it modifies is missing or unclear in the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A

Front

What is an example of a misplaced modifier?

Back

An example is: 'She almost drove her kids to school every day,' which suggests she nearly did it, rather than actually doing it.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1C

CCSS.L.11-12.3A