Dangling Modifiers
Explain what a dangling modifier is in your own words.
When a modifier is not clearly related to the word it’s supposed to modify
According to AP Style, this comma should not be used before the final item in a simple series.
Oxford comma
Identify the AP style error(s):
Dr. John Smith teaches agricultural communication classes at Texas A&M university.
John Smith, Ph.D., teaches agricultural communication classes at Texas A&M University.
After reading the book, the movie seemed disappointing.
What is “After reading the book” modifying?
The movie
Add commas where needed:
Before starting the team stretched jogged and huddled up.
Before starting, the team stretched, jogged and huddled up.
Identify the AP style error(s):
The Department fired 4 part time employees in october.
The department fired four part-time employees in October.
This part of speech is often left out in sentences with dangling modifiers, making it unclear who performed the action.
The subject
Add commas where needed:
College Station Texas is home to Texas A&M University.
College Station, Texas, is home to Texas A&M University
Identify the AP style error(s):
Classes on the West side of campus are supposed to start at 8:30 AM on monday, wednesday, and friday next year.
Classes on the west side of campus are supposed to start at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday next year.
Fix/rewrite this sentence:
Driving to work, the traffic lights seemed longer than usual.
Driving to work, I noticed the traffic lights seemed longer than usual.
Add commas where needed:
Jane Doe 32 of Bryan was arrested.
Jane Doe, 32, of Bryan, was arrested.
Identify the AP style error(s):
A story on page four said that the event is for 7 and 8 year olds, but the flyer says its for 9 and 10 year olds.
A story on Page 4 said that the event is for 7- and 8-year-olds, but the flyer says it’s for 9- and 10-year-olds.