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. ? ? ? To find the hotel, help would be needed. Peering at the map, the streets looked unfamiliar. Lost, the guide book was consulted. Does help have to find the hotel? Was the guide book lost? Were the streets peering at 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 looked good. Checking in the mirror, the makeup looked good.

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 modifier Participial 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. ? While sitting on the porch, we heard the rain begin to fall. Dangling modifier While sitting on the porch, the rain began to fall. Was the rain sitting on the porch? Now the modifier while sitting on the porch logically and clearly modifies the subject we. No. A logical subject—such as we—needs to follow the comma.

How to fix dangling modifiers Strategy 2: Revise the dangling modifier itself. Dangling modifier ? While sitting on the porch, the rain began to fall. While we were sitting on the porch, the rain began 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]

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