Misplaced and Dangling Participles
A participle or participial phrase should be placed as close as possible to the word that it modifies. Misplaced
participles make the meaning of a sentence unclear.
Confusing:
modify John.)
Clear:
Baking in the oven, John saw the pizza. (The participial phrase appears to
John saw the pizza baking in the oven.
A dangling participle does not clearly modify any word in a sentence.
Confusing:
Peering through the windows, the scenery was lovely. (Who is peering?)
Clear:
Peering through the windows, we saw the lovely scenery.
Correcting Misplaced and Dangling Participles
Rewrite these sentences, correcting the misplaced and dangling participles.
1. Stepping on the gas, the car lurched forward.
2. Suspected of espionage, the FBI arrested the two brothers.
3. Using many time- and labor-saving devices, the project was finally finished.
4. Having escaped from his captors, freedom was finally achieved.
5. Covered with mustard and relish, I fully enjoyed the sausage.
6. Running with all her might, the finish line was reached.
7. Zooming through the sky, I heard the Concorde jet.
8. Eating under the porch, I say the squirrel.
9. Driving through the Alps, the sunset glowed on Mont Blanc.
10. Shattered by the war, reconciliation came slowly to the North and South.
More Dangling Modifier Practice… ‘Cause I know you love it!
Directions: In the space below, re-write each sentence to correct the modifier.
1. Maintaining a daily exercise program, my weight seemed to decrease faster than usual.
2. To eliminate the errors, the paper needs to be rewritten.
3. While studying for my college exam, my daughter interrupted me and wanted to play dolls.
4. Drawing quite a crowd, the auditorium was packed with Garth Brooks fans.
5. Running around the block, the sidewalk seemed slicker than usual.
6. While changing the baby’s diaper, the powder fell on the floor.
7. Even as an athlete who has competed in the 5k run, the dog was able to run faster than me.
8. Carrying the groceries to the car, my foot got stuck in a pot hole.
9. Taking the chance that she might win, the lottery ticket seemed a small price to pay.
10. Having recognized the mistake, the problem seemed much easier to fix.
11. As a traveling businessman, my mom didn’t get to see my dad very often.
12. While learning how to ride a bike, my knees got skinned up quite a bit.