Definitions
This type of modifier is at times missing the noun to modify
Dangling
Identify the dangling modifier:
Riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly.
Riding in the sports car
Correct the sentence with the dangling modifier:
Riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly.
As Jane was riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly.
This modifier is said to be put in the wrong spot and must be moved
Misplaced
Identify the dangling modifier:
Painting for three hours at night, the kitchen was finally finished by Maggie.
Painting for three hours at night
Correct the sentence with the dangling modifier:
Painting for three hours at night, the kitchen was finally finished by Maggie.
Painting for three hours at night, Maggie finally finished the kitchen.
Misplaced Modifiers modify words, phrases, or
Clauses
Identify the dangling modifier:
After reading the book, the movie was disappointing.
After reading the book
Correct the sentence with the dangling modifier:
After reading the book, the movie was disappointing.
After reading the book, Jane thought the movie was disappointing.
adjective, adverb, or phrase
Identify the dangling modifier:
The gum fell out of my mouth, chewing furiously.
chewing furiously
Correct the sentence with the dangling modifier:
The gum fell out of my mouth, chewing furiously.
As I was chewing furiously, the gum fell out of my mouth.
When you take a look at a sentence, try and see if you can spot what the modifier is supposed to be describing, then make sure that the ______ or _______ comes right after the modifier.
noun, phrase
Identify the dangling modifier:
As I was walking in the dark, the picture fell off the wall.
NO MODIFIER THIS IS CORRECT
Correct the sentence with the dangling modifier:
Making discoveries about new creatures, this is an interesting time to be a biologist.
This is an interesting time to be a biologist because biologists are making discoveries about new creatures.