Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
DANGLING AND MISPLACED MODIFIERS - Revised
For clarity in English, modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit. A modifier dangles when the word or phrase it describes is missing from its sentence. A modifier is misplaced when the word or phrase it describes is not close enough to be clear. Many modification problems are created by introductory phrases. After an introductory phrase, always supply a logical subject. That subject is usually the “doer” of the action and answers the questions “Who?” or “What?”
Dangling modifier: Pushing the wrong key, the document suddenly disappeared. Revision: Pushing the wrong key, I saw the document suddenly disappear.
Misplaced modifier: After being in the refrigerator a week, Stacy said the salad tasted strange. Revision: After being in the refrigerator a week, the salad tasted strange to Stacy.
Introductory verbal phrases are particularly dangerous when followed by passive-voice constructions. Using an active voice verb often helps to resolve modification problems. Another remedy involves adding a subject to the main element to make a sentence clear.
Dangling modifier: To win the lottery, a ticket must be purchased. (Passive-voice verb) Revision: To win the lottery, you must purchase a ticket. (Active-voice verb)
Dangling modifier: Hampered by fierce winds, water could not be dropped on the fire. Revision: Hampered by fierce winds, helicopters could not drop water on the fire.
Dangling modifier: While pumping gas, a driverless car rolled into mine. Revision: While I was pumping gas, a driverless car rolled into mine. (Subject added to introductory clause)
Don’t confuse commands with dangling modifiers. In commands the subject is understood to be you.
Correct: To graduate early, enroll in summer school. The understood subject is you; you must enroll in summer school. On this sheet or a separate
For clarity in English, modifiers must be close to the words they describe or limit. A modifier dangles when the word or phrase it describes is missing from its sentence. A modifier is misplaced when the word or phrase it describes is not close enough to be clear. Many modification problems are created by introductory phrases. After an introductory phrase, always supply a logical subject. That subject is usually the “doer” of the action and answers the questions “Who?” or “What?”
Dangling modifier: Pushing the wrong key, the document suddenly disappeared. Revision: Pushing the wrong key, I saw the document suddenly disappear.
Misplaced modifier: After being in the refrigerator a week, Stacy said the salad tasted strange. Revision: After being in the refrigerator a week, the salad tasted strange to Stacy.
Introductory verbal phrases are particularly dangerous when followed by passive-voice constructions. Using an active voice verb often helps to resolve modification problems. Another remedy involves adding a subject to the main element to make a sentence clear.
Dangling modifier: To win the lottery, a ticket must be purchased. (Passive-voice verb) Revision: To win the lottery, you must purchase a ticket. (Active-voice verb)
Dangling modifier: Hampered by fierce winds, water could not be dropped on the fire. Revision: Hampered by fierce winds, helicopters could not drop water on the fire.
Dangling modifier: While pumping gas, a driverless car rolled into mine. Revision: While I was pumping gas, a driverless car rolled into mine. (Subject added to introductory clause)
Don’t confuse commands with dangling modifiers. In commands the subject is understood to be you.
Correct: To graduate early, enroll in summer school. The understood subject is you; you must enroll in summer school. On this sheet or a separate