Section 1
Dangling Modifier
Definition
A dangling modifier is a modifier that does not clearly and sensibly modify any word or word group in the sentence.
Explanation
Think of a dangling modifier as a descriptive phrase that's lost its subject! It's just 'dangling' at the beginning or end of a sentence without describing anything properly. To fix this, you must add or change words to connect the modifier to the person or thing it's actually describing, making the sentence's meaning crystal clear.
Examples
- DANGLING: Having finished the book, the movie was a letdown. [Who finished the book?]
CLEAR: Having finished the book, I thought the movie was a letdown.
- DANGLING: To assemble the bicycle, the instructions must be followed. [Who is assembling the bicycle?]
CLEAR: To assemble the bicycle, you must follow the instructions.
- DANGLING: Tired and hungry, the comfortable bed was a welcome sight. [Was the bed tired and hungry?]
CLEAR: Tired and hungry, the hikers thought the comfortable bed was a welcome sight.