Correcting Dangling Modifiers
What is a dangling modifier?
How to fix dangling modifiers
Participial phrases
Infinitive phrases
Review A
Review B
What is a dangling modifier?
A modifier should clearly and sensibly modify
another word or word group.
But look at this sentence:
?
While wrapping the gifts, our cat
kept trying to play with the bows.
Who or what was wrapping the gifts?
The cat?
What is a dangling modifier?
A dangling modifier is a modifier that doesn’t
clearly and sensibly modify another word or word
group.
?
?
?
Peering
at
the
map,
the
streets
unfamiliar.
To
find
the
hotel,
help
would
be looked
needed.
Lost,
the
guide
book
was
consulted.
Does
help
havebook
topeering
find
theat
Was
lost?
Werethe
theguide
streets
hotel?
the map?
What is a dangling modifier?
Dangling modifiers often occur at the
beginning of a sentence. When a
sentence begins with a participial
phrase or infinitive phrase, use these
steps to tell if the phrase is dangling.
Step 1: Look at the word or word group right after
the comma.
Participial phrase
Checking in the mirror, the makeup
lookedgood.
good.
makeup looked
What is a dangling modifier?
Step 2: Ask yourself, “Does it make sense for the
phrase to modify the word or word group after the
comma?”
Dangling
Participial modifier
phrase
?
Checking in the mirror, the makeup
looked good.
Was the makeup checking in the mirror?
No, it doesn’t make sense for the participial phrase
to modify makeup.
If the phrase doesn’t sensibly modify the word after the
comma, you probably have a dangling modifier.
What is a dangling modifier?
Try it out with this sentence:
Dangling modifier
?
Having selected a college, a trip to the campus
was planned.
Which word or word group follows
the comma? trip
Does it make sense that the trip has
selected a college?
NO. The phrase is a dangling modifier.
What is a dangling modifier?
On Your Own
Circle the word or word group that appears to be modified
by the boldfaced word or phrase. Then, determine whether
the boldfaced word or phrase is a dangling modifier. Write D
for a dangling modifier or C if the modifier is correct.
___ 1. Thirsty and weary, the stream was a welcome
sight.
___ 2. Convinced of the prisoner’s innocence, the
judge ruled that he should be set free.
___ 3. Riding in the glass-bottomed boat, hundreds of
beautiful fish could be seen.
[End of Section]
How to fix dangling modifiers
To fix a dangling modifier, you will need to make
the meaning logical and clear.
Strategy 1: Revise the word group that follows
the dangling modifier.
modifier
? the rain
WhileDangling
sitting on
the porch, we heard
begin
fall. on the porch, the rain began to fall.
While to
sitting
Now the
the rain
modifier
while
sitting
on the porch logically and
Was
sitting
on the
porch?
clearly
modifies
the subjectas
we.
No.
A logical
subject—such
we—needs to follow the
comma.
How to fix dangling modifiers
Strategy 2: Revise the dangling modifier itself.
Dangling modifier
?
we were
on the
the rain
began
While sitting
onsitting
the porch,
theporch,
rain began
to fall.
to fall.
Adding we were to the dangling
modifier makes the meaning clear.
Now the modifier clearly and sensibly
modifies the verb began.
How to fix dangling modifiers
Participial phrases
Strategy 1: Revise the word group after the
participial phrase. Add a noun or pronoun that
the phrase can modify.
Participial phrase
?
Adding some frosting, the cake was finished.
Participial phrase
Adding some frosting, I finished the cake.
Now the participial phrase clearly and sensibly modifies
the pronoun I.
How to fix dangling modifiers
Participial phrases
Strategy 2: Change the participial phrase into
a clause.
Participial phrase
?
Adding some frosting, the cake was finished.
Adverb clause
After I added some frosting, the cake was finished.
Now the adverb clause modifies the verb was finished,
telling when the cake was finished.
How to fix dangling modifiers
Participial phrases
Participial phrases that seem to modify possessive
nouns or pronouns are dangling modifiers. Reword
the sentence to avoid using the possessive form.
Participial phrase
?
Washing them repeatedly, Lady Macbeth’s hands
still appear bloody.
Participial phrase
Washing her hands repeatedly, Lady Macbeth
still sees blood on them.
Now the phrase sensibly modifies the noun Lady Macbeth.
How to fix dangling modifiers
Infinitive phrases
Strategy 1: Revise the word group after the
infinitive phrase. Add a noun or pronoun as the
subject.
Infinitive phrase
?
To win this election, your support
will be needed.
Infinitive phrase
To win this election, I will need your support.
Now the infinitive phrase clearly and sensibly modifies
will need, telling why I will need your support.
How to fix dangling modifiers
Infinitive phrases
Strategy 2: Change the infinitive phrase into a
clause.
Infinitive phrase
?
To win this election, your support will be needed.
Adverb clause
If I am to win this election, your support will be
needed.
Now the adverb clause modifies the verb will be needed,
telling why your support will be needed.
How to fix dangling modifiers
On Your Own
Revise each sentence to correct the dangling modifier.
1. Alone in the house, every little noise made her
jump.
2. To win this game, hard work will be necessary.
3. After cleaning the bathroom, Matt’s next chore was
to sweep the floors.
4. Opening my umbrella, the rain stopped.
[End of Section]
Review A
Identify each dangling modifier. If a sentence does not have
a dangling modifier, label it C.
1. To make a good grade, homework must be done on time.
2. Foggy and rainy, the driver could barely see the road.
3. While touring the ruins, good walking shoes are essential.
4. Carrying the camping gear, we found the hike up the
mountain tiring.
5. The front door was a welcome sight, exhausted after a
long day.
[End of Section]
Review B
Revise each sentence to correct the dangling modifier.
1. To hang the picture on the wall, a nail will be needed.
2. Disappointed, it was time to start the project all over.
3. The kite soared into the air while running across the
field.
4. Finishing the chores early, there was time to read before
bed.
5. Considering the evidence carefully, the defendant was
found guilty.
[End of Section]
The End