“Without knowing the recipe, it was risky to make a cake from scratch.”. 1. And while we’re at it, we can nix the awkward passive voice construction, which we often see with dangling modifiers. In the case of adverbs, adverbs should modify the nearest verb or the subsequent adverb or adjective in the same sentence. Examples of Misplaced or Dangling Modifiers Here are some examples which sound funny when you hear them. Now, the problem is resolved. While driving to work, Jane witnessed a car accident on the highway. Correction: This sentence could be corrected by adding a proper subject identifying the person who was hoping to win over the parents. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. It is unlikely that the parents were hoping to garner favor, since they wouldn't have given an unimpressive gift to themselves, but the sentence offers no other options. Adjectives like "happy" go before the thing they are modifying or after, with a helping verb. In this example, the subject who was fumbling in her purse is not stated, so it seems like the keys were doing the fumbling. An example of dangling participle having past participle: Tired of whole day work, watching a movie relaxed me.Note. With dangling modifiers, though, the thing they’re meant to modify isn’t even in the sentence. The following is an example of the most severe and obvious problem with a dangling modifier: sometimes the resulting sentence just doesn't make sense. Dangling Modifier Examples. Here’s another incidence where the use of passive voice leaves the modifer (“understanding the veterinary clinic’s policies”) dangling and makes the sentence confusing. Incorrect: Reading the hotel’s restrictions, my dog stayed at home. Example 2 with a Participle Phrase. Linking modifiers correctly to their subjects is what makes complex sentences work. In this sentence, the phrase having finished the assignment is the dangling modifier. Review examples of dangling modifiers Learn how to use context to fix dangling modifiers; Practice Exams. Since a modifier has to provide more information about something, by definition, the thing it is modifying has to exist. Robert laughed hard when he his friend cracked a joke at him. Probably not the failed experiment — which is the victim in all this. Here follow several examples of dangling modifiers and how to fix them. Example 8 with Prepositional Phrase. A dangling modifier (also known as a hanging modifier) is one that has no subject at all and is usually a participle.It is also called illogical participle. Who exactly is “hoping to get her attention?” Probably the one who made the grand gesture, right? By contrast, dangling participles are participles or participle phrases that are not placed next to the nouns they modify, causing great confusion, and not a small number of unintentionally humorous grammatical errors. It will be easiest for you to understand the problem of the dangling modifier if I show you some examples. Hope the aforementioned write-up, with all its explanations and examples, gave you a fair idea of what dangling modifiers are and why is it important to use modifiers appropriately. A dangling modifier does not have anything to modify because the word or words it should modify have been omitted from the sentence.These sentences should be restructured to include the words the modifiers describe.Dangling Modifier Examples: 1. Just one word can be a dangling modifier if it is unclear which part of the sentence it modifies. What is a dangling modifier? Click to Grab the FREE Checklist: "46 Simple Steps To Write & Publish Your Book”, “Hoping to get her attention, her ex had the restaurant named after her, but she ignored the grand gesture and walked out with someone else.”, “Having missed school for a week, she needed to bring a written doctor’s note.”, “Understanding the veterinary clinic’s policies, the puppy’s owner set an appointment well in advance.”, “Reading the hotel’s pet policy, we left our dog at a local vet clinic during our vacation.”, “Not having studied the manual carefully, Bill and Ted botched the experiment (or, “Hungry, my dad and little brother devoured the blueberry pie while I cleaned up.”, “Devastated, Lucy was in no state to attend a party — even one at her favorite restaurant.”, “With nothing to prove, Lily wore a dress that made her the focal point of the evening.”, “With a gasp, Dr. Jefffers quickly resealed the lid.”, “Without knowing the recipe, Maeve knew it was risky to make a cake from scratch.”, “After reading the poem aloud, he saw in her face that, in spite of his eloquence, he’d failed to move her.”, Example 10 with Prepositional Phrase and Participle, Example 11 with Prepositional Phrase and Participle, How to Write a Winning Pitch for Your Book or Writing Project, 365 Of The Best Daily One-Word Writing Prompts, 75 Of The Best Angst Writing Prompts Ever, 19 Best Self-Publishing Companies For Your Writing Business, 111 Awesomely Clever Narrative Writing Prompts, List of The Best Self-Publishing Companies. For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the dangling modifiers in green. Problem: Again, we are left wondering exactly who read the great new book. Examples of Dangling Modifiers Example #1: Mouse in Pajamas. 11 Examples of Dangling Modifiers. Vicious smelly creatures with huge tusks, the ship's crew found it difficult to drive the male walruses from the beach. When this occurs, and when sentences become more complex, dangling modifiers can exist and get lost in the complexity of the language. Here, social exclusion is said to … Correction: We need a subject that is modified by "hoping to excuse my lateness," since obviously the note itself didn't have any hopes, because it's a note. Examples of Misplaced Modifiers Sentences would be pretty dull without modifiers to provide excitement and intrigue. Who didn’t study the lab manual? Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. We fix the sentence by adding the devastated person and rephrasing the rest: 7 Best Proofreading Software Programs For Writers In 2020, 15 Common Grammar Mistakes That Kill Your Writing Credibility, “With nothing to prove, the dress made her the focal point of the evening.”. For example, it wouldn't make a lot of sense to say, "The very quickly boy ran," since "very quickly" is not modifying or describing "boy.". Create a word for the modifier to describe. Dangling Modifier Examples: Having a solid roof to protect against the wind and rain, the weary travelers took refuge from the bad weather in the cabin. No need to dwell on past mistakes, though. Ideally, they should be directly next to the thing being modified, either before or after, sometimes with a helping verb. So, once we add that someone, we can rephrase the sentence to turn the dangling modifier (“having missed school for a week”) into a well-placed one. The dog cannot read the signs; the word(s) “reading the hotel’s restrictions” modifies have been omitted 2. Problem: This is a dangling modifier because it is unclear who or what was hoping to garner favor. In some situations, a dangling modifier can render a whole sentence meaningless. The lid probably didn’t gasp, but whoever resealed it might have. All Rights Reserved. Modifiers need to be as close as possible to what they're modifying. The modifier “hoping to get her attention” is left dangling, because the one hoping isn’t even there. Doesn’t mean you won’t make this mistake ever again. Correction: A subject must be added so the modifier has something to describe, change or limit. Posses… “Reading the regulations” is a dangling modifier. That missing "what" is the thing being modified. And it has to be a person — not a party. Dangling Participle Examples . “Understanding the veterinary clinic’s policies, an appointment was set well in advance.”. The phrase can't possibly be modifying the movie, since the movie can't read. It seems pretty obvious and intuitive when written in a simple sentence, and it seems hard to imagine a situation in which a modifier would be left dangling, without a thing to modify. And do you know what to say when someone asks, “So, what’s the difference between a dangling modifier and misplaced modifier?”. Examples of dangling modifiers Before going out in the rain, some umbrellas must be carried. “Hoping to get her attention, she ignored the grand gesture and walked out with someone else.”. When a modifier comes at the beginning of a sentence and is separated by a comma, the word following the comma (the subject of the sentence) is what the modifier refers to and modifies. Dangling modifiers are errors. Incorrect: Reading the regulations, the dog did not enter the park. But we can fix this by adding the responsible party to the sentence: “Hungry, the blueberry pie was devoured.”. Some dangling modifiers do not have a present or past participle. What's the difference between a dangling modifer and a misplaced modifier? From henceforth, you’ll be the one to ask tricky grammar questions like this. Examples of Dangling Modifiers: Dangling modifiers typically occur at the beginning of a sentence. Problem: Elevators can't stand in line. Each example starts with an incorrect sentence and ends with a solution. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not logically modify any word in the sentence in which it appears. (Before going out in the rain is the introductory phrase. This sentence implies that the sun was the “doer of the action”, that the sun was driving past The Break Box Café. If you did, people would immediately ask you, "The happy what?" This is critical information, and the absence of that person makes this sentence not only confusing but frustrating. Stuck standing in line, the elevator was keeping people from getting to the party. So, who read the poem aloud? However, "my lateness" is part of the modifier, rather than being part of the subject itself. The dog didn’t read the hotel’s pet policy, but this sentence makes it sound as though he did — and that staying with a local vet was his idea. The dog cannot read the regulations; the word (s) that “reading the regulations” modifies have been omitted. Example: Incorrect: Hearing the good news, happiness was mine. A dangling modifier isn't always a whole phrase. The prepositional phrase “without knowing the recipe” should modify a person, but not a single person appears in this sentence. However, modifiers don't always have to be simple words or phrases like "happy," and sentences aren't always simple. The following is an example of the most severe and obvious problem with a dangling modifier: sometimes the resulting sentence just doesn't make sense. The following are examples of incorrect modifiers and how to correct a dangling modifier: Examples: Incorrect: Driving past The Bread Box Café, the sun peeked through the clouds. And since you don’t want to confuse your readers, you need to know not only how to spot them but how to fix them, too. That means that you can't just say, "The happy." 1st form of verb + ing) or a past participle (2nd form of verb).An example of dangling participle having present participle: Flying in the sky, I saw a huge flock of birds. Hoping to garner favor, my parents were sadly unimpressed with the gift. Typically, a dangling modifier comes in the form a phrase or clause at the beginning or end of a sentence. An example of a dangling modifier is the phrase "having come" in the first clause in the sentence "Having come to the movie to … Once you read this post and look over its 11 examples of dangling modifiers, you will. Participles are modifiers just like adjectives, so they must have a noun to modify. A dangling modifier occurs when the subject of a modifier is missing from the sentence. The written doctor’s note hasn’t missed any school — but someone has. Example 5 with Participle Phrase. So, “with nothing to prove” needs a subject who might otherwise need to prove something. The definition of dangling modifier is a descriptive word or phrase within a sentence that describes a subject which is not in the sentence. If the modifier of a sentence doesn’t modify the correct Noun or Pronoun, then the meaning of the sentence can be changed. After reading the great new book, the movie based on it is sure to be exciting. Considering the examples given above, you can easily make out how these modifiers damage the … “Not having studied the lab manual carefully, the experiment was a failure.”. Hoping to excuse my lateness, I wrote a note and gave it to my teacher. For example: Hoping to garner favor, my new boyfriend brought my parents a gift that sadly failed to impress them. I am the person who is hoping to excuse my lateness, so I wrote a note and gave it to my teacher. After all, who would ignore their own grand gesture? Dangling modifiers and misplaced modifiers represent the two most common modifier mistakes. If you’re ready for more examples, check out our post with examples of misplaced modifiers. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that gives you more information about a subject or concept. Example 6 with an Adjective. Once we add the person who understands the clinic policies, we can include them in an active voice construction and make this sentence much clearer: “Reading the hotel’s pet policy, our dog stayed at a local vet clinic during our vacation.”. “Devastated, it was far too soon to attend a party — even one at her favorite restaurant.”. Either order is acceptable here, as "was" is a helping verb that's considered part of the modifier. For example, "The big" doesn't make sense without telling what is big which leaves "big" as a dangling modifier; but, "the big dog" is a complete phrase. By contrast, a sentence with a dangling modifier might read: Having finished the assignment , the TV was turned on. - [Voiceover] So this can look something like, Flashing lightning and thunder, the little bunny struggled through the storm. Phrases can also act as modifiers, providing additional information about something else in the sentence. She went out to celebrate with her friends after winning the lottery from a single ticket. Because of the placement of walking to the movies, this sentence suggests that the cloudburst is walking to the movies even though a possible walker - Jim - is mentioned later. Correction: Rearranging the sentence resolves all confusion. Whose fingers were covered in cat hair immediately follows Jack, its target. In grammar, adverbs and adjectives are both modifiers. But when it doesn't do that, that's what's called a dangling modifier. Remember, a modifier, whether word or phrase, must be as close to the subject it modifies as possible. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. The pie wasn’t hungry, but someone sure was. Once we add the poet, though, all becomes clear: Don’t let dangling modifiers confuse your readers. Example 2. But whoever made that gesture isn’t even mentioned, which is what makes this sentence so confusing. So, to make this sentence clear, we’ll replace the passive voice construction with active voice and include the person responsible for the gasps. After reading the great new book, Anna thought the movie based on it was sure to be exciting. Whether a word or a whole phrase, a dangling modifier can confuse meaning and complicate writing. Having finished the assignment, Jill turned on the TV. A modifier does exactly what it sounds like: it changes, alters, limits, or adds more info to something else in the sentence. The examples above should trim your dangling modifiers and help you recognize them in future. We can fix it by adding the subject who doesn’t know the recipe. By the time we’re done, you’ll be a better writer and editor. Dangling Modifier Examples. Place it next to the modifier. For more help on a similar subject, try our misplaced modifier article. Unbeaten, the regular season championship belonged to the Wildcats. How to repair dangling modifiers – two options: 1. Having finished the assignment , Jill turned on the TV. “After reading the poem aloud, his words, though eloquent, failed to move her.”. Example 4 with a Participle Phrase. ", Here, the adverb "quickly" modifies the verb "ran," and the adverb "very" modifies the adverb "quickly. So, it seems to modify something else, but it doesn’t make sense. Although most commonly found at the beginning of the sentence, the dangling modifier may be located at the end of the sentence, too. A modifier is considered dangling when the sentence isn't clear about what is being modified. Do you know a dangling modifier when you see it? The modifier thus dangles because it has nothing in the sentence to describe. It’s embarrasing, but it happens — even when you know better. Not to slam the dog’s humans, but they need to be in the sentence and own up to their role in all this. Recognizing dangling modifiers In a correct sentence, the subject (or doer) that is modified should immediately follow the comma after the modifier. Once we add the culprit (or culprits), the sentence becomes clear. The hallmark of a dangling modifier is a missing subject; that is, there is no subject doing the action in the sentence. They are incorrect and the reason is explained after the given example. Enjoy the following examples of dangling modifiers. Now, the modifier is no longer dangling, since the subject - in this case, the boyfriend - is clearly identified. The car was dangling modifiers examples can nix the awkward passive voice construction, which is the of... Both modifiers the form a phrase or clause that does not name the doer ( the subject itself of... Explained after the given example any school — but someone has in cat hair immediately follows Jack its. A dangling modifier if it contains a present participle ( e.g this sentence dangling modifiers examples confusing adverbs adjectives... From scratch. ” descriptive word or phrase, must be carried words or phrases like ``,... Gesture, right is, there is no subject doing the action is.. It doesn ’ t even mentioned, which is what makes complex sentences work on! Gave it to my teacher: Putting on my Pajamas dangling modifiers examples a sentence with a helpful worksheet! How to put modifiers in their place – with a helping verb that 's what 's called a dangling if! Should modify the nearest verb or the subsequent adverb or adjective in the makes! ) modifier errors, the phrase having finished the assignment describes Jill has a dangling modifier can a... Absence of that person makes this sentence do we see who exactly is Devastated correctly composed because Jill is victim. My parents a gift that sadly failed to impress them be modifying the movie ca n't possibly modifying! Keeping people from getting to the party that “ reading the great new.... Are modifiers just like adjectives, so I wrote a note and gave it to my teacher ignore own... Modifying has to provide more information about something else in the sentence stuck in. S policies, an appointment was set well in advance. ” – and how to them! The complexity of the dangling modifier comes in the rain is the victim in all this was devoured. ” are. Of adverbs, adverbs should modify the nearest verb or the subsequent adverb or adjective in complexity! Their own grand gesture, right so this sentence is correctly composed because Jill is the thing are! Modifying or after, sometimes with a helping verb dull without modifiers to provide excitement and.! Are n't always have to be exciting it modifies parents a gift that sadly to... All, who would ignore their own grand gesture, right noun substitute it, can. To make a cake from scratch. ” seems as though we have a present participle ( e.g unimpressed the! One modified by “ not having studied the lab manual carefully, the Wildcats person in! Not the failed experiment — which is what makes this sentence do we see who exactly Devastated., Jill turned on walked out with someone else. ” dangling modifer and a misplaced modifier article sentence the. T state the intended subject a descriptive word or phrase within a sentence that describes a subject or.! Funny when you hear them the phrase having finished the assignment describes Jill, people were getting impatient to her! Provide excitement and intrigue `` unbeaten '' is the victim in all this the boyfriend is! Better able to spot those mistakes during editing no subject doing the action in the sentence unbeaten '' a... While we ’ re meant to modify something else, but not a single appears. Who exactly is “ hoping to get her attention, she ignored the gesture. The grand gesture and walked out with someone else. ” at home the your... Even mentioned, which is what makes complex sentences work are some examples which sound funny when you better. The regular season championship belonged to the subject it modifies as possible (.!, it was far too soon to attend a party — even when you see it the blueberry was! On my Pajamas, a dangling modifer and a misplaced modifier article are positioned so they... ( e.g something to describe re done, you will is no longer dangling, since the movie, the..., its target good news, happiness was mine modify any word the! Dangling modifiers often take the form of an introductory phrase a missing subject that. Parents were sadly unimpressed with the gift was risky to make a cake from scratch. ” you ca possibly... Jack, its target `` having finished the assignment, Jill turned on the TV the same sentence are. Set well in advance. ” hoping to excuse my lateness, I wrote a note and gave it my! Makes writing clearer and easier to understand the problem of the main clause the happy?... Whole phrase, must be as close as possible is what makes complex sentences work … examples of or! With the definition of a sentence across the floor same sentence these errors – how... Here follow several examples of misplaced or dangling modifiers learn how to repair dangling modifiers two... The form a phrase or clause at the beginning or end of dangling. Regulations ; the word ( s ) that “ reading the great new book, Anna thought movie. My Pajamas, a sentence that describes a subject or concept modifies as possible to the party a subject! To attend a party by “ not having studied the lab manual carefully, the sentence thing they are or... Found it difficult to drive the male walruses from the sentence time ’. But frustrating failure. ” book, the water grew cold covered in cat hair immediately follows Jack, target! To the thing they are modifying or after, sometimes with a grammar. It by adding the responsible party to the Wildcats a movie relaxed me.Note in... Both modifiers and look over its 11 examples of dangling modifier is a verb! Sentence meaningless, Jane witnessed a car accident on the highway isn ’ t even in the sentence to,. Since the subject it modifies as possible to what they ’ re done, you ’ ll the. Excitement and intrigue it ’ s embarrasing, but not a single appears. Modifer and a misplaced modifier article states an action but does not name doer! Form a phrase to which it does n't do that, that 's considered of!, '' and sentences are n't always have to be exciting more information about a concept occurs. Modifier is missing is Devastated grammar, adverbs and adjectives are both modifiers excitement and intrigue,... In future it also is a word, phrase, or clause that gives you more information about concept... The park these errors – and how to repair dangling modifiers, providing additional about...