This document defines and provides examples of misplaced and dangling modifiers. Misplaced modifiers are words or phrases that are placed far from the word they are intended to modify, making the meaning unclear. Dangling modifiers do not clearly modify any noun or pronoun in the sentence. The document gives examples of sentences with misplaced and dangling modifiers and restructures the sentences to correct the issues.

1. Using phrases correctly
Misplaced & Dangling Modifiers
+These are all over your writing and all
over the ACT, so pay attention+

2. Definitions
• Misplaced modifier: a modifier that is placed so far away from
the word it modifies that the intended meaning of the
sentence is unclear and perhaps even humorous.
– After getting lost, the owner finally found the puppy.
• After getting lost, the puppy was finally found by his owner.
• The owner finally found the puppy after he was lost.
• Dangling modifier: a modifier that does not clearly modify any
noun or pronoun in a sentence
– Carefully turning the pages, this book was sure to be a thriller.
• Carefully turning the pages, Samson knew this book was sure to be a thriller.

3. Examples
• When we opened the leather woman's purse, we found the missing
keys.
• When we opened the woman’s leather purse, we found the
missing keys.
• The striking Honda's paint job made everyone gasp.
• The Honda’s striking paint job made everyone gasp.
• After assaulting several bystanders, the police captured the
criminal.
• After assaulting several bystanders, the criminal was captured
by the police.
• Once filled with ink, you can write for hours before the pen runs
dry.
• Once filled with ink, the pen can be used for hours before it
runs dry.
• Driving up the long, tree lined driveway, the mansion loomed above
us.
• Driving up the long, tree lined driveway, we saw the mansion
looming above us.