Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
Name ______________________
Dangling and misplaced modifiers can be amusing. However, a misleading sentence such as A
wart appeared on my left hand that I want removed can also create awkward prose. A dangling
modifier describes or limits a word or words that are missing from the sentence. A misplaced
modifier occurs when the word or phrase it describes is not close enough to be clear. In both
instances, the solution is to move the modifier closer to the word(s) it describes or limits.
Dangling modifier:
Revision:
After using two search engines, the website was finally located.
After using two search engines, I finally located the website.
Misplaced modifier:
Revision:
I went to see my manager with a serious problem.
With a serious problem, I went to see my manager.
Occasionally, the sentence needs to be recast.
Dangling modifier:
Revision:
Walking up the driveway, the garage can be seen by visitors to hold
two cars.
Visitors walking up the driveway can see that the garage holds two cars.
It's unimportant to distinguish dangling modifiers (some of which are called dangling participles)
from misplaced modifiers. More important is to recognize a modification problem and repair it.
The following exercise provides typical dangling and misplaced modifiers:
1. Angered by the use of their data, complaints were received from Facebook users.
2. To prevent head injuries, helmets are required to be worn by cyclists in many states.
3. Skilled at social networking, the marketing contract was won by ReachOut.
4. I saw your new car walking through the parking lot.
5. After being photocopied, the assistant delivered the report to all team members.
6. Here are important tips for protecting your car from our insurance company.
7. While performing, the audience gasped as the singer forgot the words to the song.
8. In preparing next year’s budget, several assumptions had to be made by us.
9. Long ears drooping to the floor, Tiffany wondered how the dog could walk.
10. Matt made a presentation about workplace drug problems in our board room.
11. While interviewing applicants, questions are often asked about qualifications by recruiters.
12. Bridal salons face stiff competition from David’s Bridal, a chain selling off-the-rack bridal
dresses that recently went public.
13. The clerk handed the groceries to the customer in a plastic bag.
14. While driving to work, the proposal deadline worried me intensely.
15. When fighting cancer, experience counts.
© Dr. Mary Ellen Guffey – May be duplicated for educational purposes only.
ESSENTIALS OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: PROCESS AND PRODUCT
Proposed Revisions
We suggest these revisions, but others are also possible.
1. Angered by the use of their data, Facebook users complained.
2. To prevent head injuries, cyclists in many states are required to wear helmets.
3. Skilled at social networking, ReachOut won the marketing contract.
4. While walking through the parking lot, I saw your new car.
5. After being photocopied by the assistant, the report was delivered to all team members.
6. To protect your car, here are important tips from our insurance company.
7. While performing, the singer forgot the words to the song, causing the audience to gasp.
8. In preparing next year’s budget, we had to make several assumptions.
9. Because the dog’s long ears drooped to the floor, Tiffany wondered how it could walk.
10. In our board room, Matt made a presentation about workplace drug problems.
11. While interviewing applicants, recruiters often ask questions about skills.
12. Bridal salons face stiff competition from David’s Bridal, a chain that recently went public
selling off-the-rack bridal dresses.
13. The clerk handed the groceries in a plastic bag to the customer.
14. While driving to work, I worried intensely about the proposal deadline.
15. When victims are fighting cancer, experience counts. OR
When fighting cancer, victims know that experience counts.
© Dr. Mary Ellen Guffey – May be duplicated for educational purposes only.
ESSENTIALS OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: PROCESS AND PRODUCT