1. Created by April Turner UWF WRITING LAB RULES OF THUMB FOR DANGLING AND MISPLACED MODIFIERS From Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon

2. A Misplaced Modifier is placed too close to some other word that it does not intend to modify: The boy led the parade with red hair. The parade has red hair?

3. Revise misplaced modifiers by placing the modifier next to its headword: The boy with red hair led the parade.

4. Dangling Modifiers are words or phrases which “dangle” because they have no word in the sentence to describe: While taking a shower, the doorbell rang. The doorbell was taking a shower?

5. Revise dangling modifiers by adding a headword—a noun or pronoun that is described: While I was taking a shower, the doorbell rang. OR While taking a shower, I heard the doorbell ring.

6. Good vs Well Good is an adjective that modifies a noun or pronoun. Good usually follows a linking verb Ex: She has a good a good grade in English (good modifies the noun “grade”)

7. Good vs Well (Cont’d) Well is an adverb that modifies verbs Well usually follows an action verb Ex: He plays sports well. (Well modifies the verb “play”)

8. Good vs Well (Cont’d) Exception:Well can also be used as an adjective when it refers to health Ex: She feels well today. (Well describes the pronoun “She” as it refers to her health)

9. Double Comparisons A double comparison can be created in two ways: 1. Using both “more” and the suffix “– er” to indicate the comparative form of an adjective or adverb Ex: This movie is more better than that one (Incorrect) Ex: This movie is better than that one (Correct)

10. Double Comparisons (Cont’d) 2. Using both “most” and the suffix “- est” to indicate the superlative form of an adjective or adverb Ex: That is the most funniest story I’ve ever heard (Incorrect) Ex: That is the funniest story I’ve ever heard (Correct) Bottom Line: When you make a comparison, use only one form, not both.

11. Split Infinitives are misplaced modifiers which are placed between the preposition to and the verb in an infinitive--a grammatical unit consisting of the word to plus a verb (to eat, to sleep, etc.): Dentists encourage children to regularly brush their teeth. The modifier regularly is splitting the infinitive to brush.

12. Revise split infinitives by moving the modifier to another part of the sentence: Dentists encourage children to brush their teeth regularly.

13. Squinting Modifiers are misplaced modifiers which seem to modify two words: Patty who was walking quickly reached the club. Is Patty walking quickly, or is she quickly reaching the club?

14. Revise squinting modifiers by changing the word order so there is no ambiguity: Patty, who was quickly walking, reached the club. OR Patty who was walking reached the club quickly.

15. LET’S PRACTICE!!! Having encountered this problem many times before, the flat tire was easy for me to fix. Having encountered this problem many times before, I could fix the flat tire easily. I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

16. LET’S PRACTICE A LITTLE MORE!!! In group situations, the people who participate sometimes can be annoying when they don’t know what they are doing. …who participate can sometimes be annoying… It is the citizens’ right to openly criticize the government without fear of being harassed. …right to criticize the government openly without fear of being harassed.