This document discusses dangling and misplaced modifiers. It defines modifiers as words that identify or describe another word, usually a noun. Dangling modifiers occur when the word being modified is not present in the sentence. Misplaced modifiers appear to modify the wrong word because they are placed too far from the word they are intended to modify. The document provides examples of dangling and misplaced modifiers and how to correct them by moving the modifier closer to the word it modifies or adding the missing subject. It emphasizes that modifiers should be placed directly before or after the word they describe to avoid confusion. Practice exercises are assigned to reinforce these concepts.

1. Dangling Those Modifiers
above Their Heads…
Chapter 24: Dangling and Misplaced
Modifiers

2. What is a Modifier?

One or more words that change (identify or describe)
another word (noun or pronoun) in the sentence.
 The yellow bird was sitting on the lamp post.
 The toddler walked sadly from the playground.
 Grasping the rock tightly, the climber made it to the top of the
mountain.
 Damaged in the accident, the radio needed to be replaced.

To avoid confusion, modifiers should be placed as closely
as possible to the noun or pronoun it is modifying.
 Preferably directly before or after the word it is modifying.
 If it is unclear what word is being modified, writers deal with
dangling, misplaced, or confusing modifiers.

3. Dangling Modifiers?

A dangling modifier is created when the word that is
being modified is not in the sentence.
 Often a dangling modifier can occur when a modifier is placed
at the beginning of a sentence.
 Dangling modifiers occur in sentences that neglect to include
the subject ( noun/ pronoun) that is being modified.
 Completing the film, a vacation was taken.
 Note: Passive voice
 Add a subject: Completing the film, he took a vacation.
 Compelled by the story, a film was created.
 Note: Passive voice
 Add a subject: Compelled by the story, the director created a
film.
 Note: Dangling modifiers frequently occur when passive voice
is used.

4. Fixing Those Dangles…

Change the sentence from passive to active voice

Add in the subject (noun/ pronoun) that should be modified

How would you correct these dangling modifiers?
 Living in England, traveling was done a lot.
 Correct: Living in England, I did a lot of travelling.
 Ready to go, the car was started.
 Correct: Ready to go, the father started the car.
 Proud and satisfied, the award was received.
 Correct: Proud and satisfied, the author received the award.

5. Practice 24-1

Part of practice exercise check #5

6. 24-3

Part of practice exercise check #5

7. Misplaced Modifiers

Modifiers are easiest to follow when they are placed right before or
after the word they are modifying. A misplaced modifier appears to be
modifying (changing) the wrong word because it is in the wrong place.
 Misplaced: I answered the door dressed in a monster costume.
 The door was wearing a monster costume?
 Correct: Dressed in a monster costume, I answered the door.
 Correct: I, dressed in a monster costume, answered the door.
 Michael was darting from the runner trying to win the race.
 Was Michael or the runner trying to win the racer?
 Correct: Michael, trying to win the race, was darting from the runner.
 Correct: Trying to win the race, Michael was darting from the runner.
 Correct: Michael was darting from the runner, who was trying to win the
race.
 Splashing in a cool mud bath, Mr. Phelps scratched the back of the prize
pig.
 Was Mr. Phelps or the pig in a cool mud bath?
 Correct: Mr. Phelps scratched the back of the prize pig splashing in a cool
mud bath.

8. Fixing the Misplacement…

To correct misplaced modifiers, move the modifier as close
as possible to the subject (noun or pronoun) it is
modifying.

Make sure the correct subject (noun/ pronoun) is being
modified.

How would you correct these misplaced modifiers?
 Tina was going to the grocery store dressed in a formal gown.
 Correct: Dressed in a formal gown, Tina was going to the grocery store.
 The cat waited by the door wondering when it would open.
 Correct: Wondering when it would open, the cat waited by the door.
 Climbing to the top of the mountain, the horizon was seen by Paul.
 Correct: Climbing to the top of the mountain, Paul saw the horizon.
 Revised and completed, the author published the book.
 Revised and completed, the book was published by the author.

9. Practice 24-4

Part of practice exercise check #5

10. Practice Exercise Check #5

Additional packet: Parallelism Packet
 Found in Course Materials, on Blackboard.

Due Tuesday, Oct. 2