Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
misplaced modifier example
Misplaced modifier: Buffy called her adorable kitten opening the can of food and filled the bowl. Correctly placed modifier: Opening the can of food, Buffy called her adorable kitten and filled the bowl.
dangling modifier example
What is the modifier modifying? Having finished dinner, the rugby match was turned on. 1. Name the appropriate doer of the action as the subject of the main clause. * Having finished dinner, Jude turned on the rugby match. 2. Place the subject of the action within the dangling modifier: * After Jude finished dinner, he turned on the rugby match. 3. Combine the phrase and clause. * Jude turned on the rugby match after finishing dinner.
misplaced modifier definition
a phrase or clause placed awkwardly in a sentence so that it appears to modify or refer to an unintended word.
dangling modifier definition
a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence
Diving into the pool, Marion did not even make a splash.
correct
Jumping out of his seat, Milton shouted with surprise.
correct
Nodding politely, Aaron acknowledged the older man.
correct
The mayor was able to cut the ribbon because someone found scissors.
correct
This letter, which i found in the drawer, was written over a century ago.
correct
Wait for the bus that stops at the corner.
correct
Complaining loudly, the broken toy was returned to the store.
dangling modifier
Grinning happily, the prize for first place was accepted.
dangling modifier
Hoping to succeed in the interview, long hours were spent in preparation.
dangling modifier
Reading the directions carefully, the test was quite easy.
dangling modifier
Bill built the bookcase of oak that you see in the corner.
misplaced modifier
Phil opened the book given to her on her birthday by Charles Dickens.
misplaced modifier
Quacking loudly, Heather fed the ducks in the park.
misplaced modifier
She fearfully pointed to the spider over her head that hung from a transparent web.
misplaced modifier
She flew in a small aircraft trembling with fear.
misplaced modifier
She served dessert to the children on blue paper plates.
misplaced modifier
The bell is an antique that you hear chiming.
misplaced modifier
They planned to win before the game started.
misplaced modifier
Tom fed the kitten in the kitchen that his aunt had given him.
misplaced modifier
We joined the crowd in cheering the winner with enthusiasm.
misplaced modifier
