It’s more common in writing that uses passive voice. “Reading the regulations” is a dangling modifier. What are the release dates for The Wonder Pets - 2006 Save the Ladybug? ... Read the sentence below. So, that’s all about dangling modifiers. the behavior of the narrator (or other observer), but grammatically The misplaced modifier here makes it sound like the Atlanta police were the ones performing the robberies themselves. structure when a grammatical modifier is associated with a word Or, they can work with verbs to provide more information. What should be stated here is that the woman is walking to the store and, on the way, she saw a puppy and a kitten. All Rights Reserved. 1. Who knows how you’ll incorporate them as modifiers into your next bit of writing? Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. They paint our prose and add starlight to our stanzas. Since presents can't exhibit the emotion of feeling eager, it’s unlikely that this modifier is written correctly. Similarly, in the sentence , "At the age of eight, my answers. other than the one intended, or with no particular word at all. Parallel structure . Read more about dangling modifiers , and … 2. Here, this sentence makes it seem as though Mary's presents were eagerly awaiting Mary's birthday. The sentence should be rewritten so the modifier actually modifies Mary. Grammar Quiz #10: Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers By Mark Nichol Each of the following sentences includes a modifying phrase that confuses because it the statement is erroneously constructed or because the phrase is incorrectly located in the sentence. 3. Dangling modifiers are phrases or words that modifies a word that is not clearly stated in a sentence. 11 Examples of Dangling Modifiers Example 1 … ANSWERS: 1. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase (often a participle or participial phrase) that doesn't actually modify the word it's intended to modify. However, it’s important for modifiers to stick close to the word or words they’re modifying. Misplacement of adverbs can sometimes change the meaning of a sentence. How many candles are on a Hanukkah menorah? In the following sentences, identify and correct the misplaced and dangling modifiers. modifying clause Turning the corner is clearly supposed to describe Correction: He bought a horse called Prince for his sister. Watch out for the two modifier mistakes: Dangling Modifiers; Misplaced Modifiers; Dangling Modifiers “A dangling modifier is a word or word group that refers to (or modifies) a word or phrase that has … The most common modifier mistakes are dangling modifiers and misplaced modifiers.Both terms refer to modifiers that are connected to the wrong thing in a sentence. Watch out for the words only, just, merely, nearly, and almost. Modifiers dress up otherwise plain sentiments. What is a sample Christmas party welcome address? ... 11 Questions Show answers. What are some samples of opening remarks for a Christmas party? However, when an entire phrase is used, misplaced modifiers become more common. Correction: Pastor Johnson gave me only $5 to clean all his sidewalks. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that clarifies or describes another word, phrase, or clause. The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. Correction: People who rarely laugh are sad. That would be… unique. Shaken, not stirred, James Bond likes his martinis. SURVEY . It is also called a dangling participle, hanging modifier, floater, floating modifier, or misrelated participle. Draw one line under the dangling modifier in each of the following sentences. INCORRECT: Relieved of your responsibilities at your job, your home should be a place to relax. Feel free to help people by sharing the post with them! As such, it should be revised to: Correction: He drove the car for nearly six hours a day. Preview this quiz on Quizizz. When you have a single adjective or adverb, misplaced modifiers rarely occur since they would immediately sound incorrect. 3. family finally bought a dog", the modifier 'At the age of eight' Don’t forget: students can always ask tutors or their teachers for an explanation of Question 1 . Correction: She failed almost every exam she took. (The umbrella can’t expect rain. ambiguities can lead to unintentional humor or difficulty in And the following examples will show how. The only mention is of her inspiration, which is a separate subject matter. Working all weekend, Jamal nearly earned five hundred dollars. She saw a puppy and a kitten on the way to the store. Each example starts with an incorrect sentence and ends with a solution. This sentence makes it seem like the children were on paper plates. You might want to consult the rules before you make your choice! Perhaps she kept getting a 51%. But, as this sentence stands, it’s rather disjointed, creating another dangling modifier. Misplacedanddanglingmodifiers1 misplaced and dangling modifiers a misplaced modifier is a word phrase or clause that is improperly separated from the word or clause it modifies or describes. it appears to apply to nothing in particular, or to the school Directions: In the exercise that follows, you will need to determine whether or not sentences contain misplaced or dangling modifiers. 1. In either version, the outcomes are drastically different. 7th - 8th grade. Misplaced And Dangling Modifiers Exercise 1 Answer Key - Displaying top 8 worksheets found for this concept.. Example. Such See you in the next class! Here’s another dangling modifier: Hoping to earn a free ticket, Mary was disappointed by the day. Crossing the border, my bags were searched. And, the further away they get, the more it looks like they’re modifying something else entirely. 1. Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary's presents were all picked up and admired by Mary many times throughout the day. Examples of Misplaced Modifiers. 17. Misplaced modifiers can usually be corrected by moving the modifier to a more sensible place in the sentence, generally next to the word it modifies. Driving in heavy traffic, my head started to ache. Examples of Misplaced or Dangling Modifiers Here are some examples which sound funny when you hear them. The statement is not a dangling modifier or misplaced modifier, the statement has a dangling modifier or misplaced modifier. 0% average accuracy. Dangling modifiers will have nowhere to hide. Correction: On the way to the store, she saw a puppy and a kitten. The example above suggests that a gold man owns a watch. 5. Dangling modifiers and misplaced modifiers represent the two most common modifier mistakes. Teaching Tip: Although most students will be too young to get the allusion, some may have heard of order makes the modifier seem to modify an object instead. Because of this separation the meaning of the sentence is … A misplaced or dangling modifier, is an error in sentence 18 minutes ago. They are incorrect and the reason is explained after the given example. "dangles" in mid-air, attaching to no named person or thing. Correction: This sentence could be corrected by adding a proper subjectidentifying the person … 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. Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? Thanks to modifiers, words like “the bird” become “the soaring bird.”. In some cases, a dangling modifier refers to a word that doesn't even appear in the sentence. It’s related, but a slightly different error. 20. The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. Adjectives are typically placed before the words they’re modifying or after the helping verbs. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. example, a writer may have meant to modify the subject, but word Or, is it people who rarely laugh become sad? Determine if the modifiers in these sentences have hit their intended targets. REVISED: After reading the original study, I find the article unconvincing. The dog was rescued after the house was set on fire by a fireman. In other words, no other pastor paid $5 to clean the sidewalk. The most logical explanation is that Mary was eagerly awaiting her own birthday. She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates. But, it’s important to be clear about the intent. This sentence might conjure up images of a puppy and a kitten prancing down the street, headed to the local store. Here, there’s no mention of her mind. Then, the police might publicize a report on the robberies. Fortunately, we have ways of dealing with both misplaced modifiers. With dangling modifiers, the noun it’s supposed to modify isn’t even in the sentence. Dangling modifiers require a bit more editing than rearranging words. The most dangerous misplaced one-word modifiers are these examples: almost, even, hardly, just, merely, nearly, only, and simply. Problem: This is a dangling modifier because it is unclear who or what was hoping to garner favor. Here, “delight” is being modified by the phrase “tired of all of the nights in hotels.” Unfortunately, “delight” can't be tired, because delight isn't a person. For example: Misplaced: Expecting rain, the umbrella was propped up against the wall. Modifiers are one of the most beautiful elements of the English language. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. Remember that modifiers usually accompany the thing they’re modifying or stand as close to it as possible. The dog cannot read the regulations; the word (s) that “reading the regulations” modifies have been omitted. Recognizing Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers. Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers DANGLING MODIFIERS A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not logically modify any word in the sentence in which it appears. Answers: 1. 0. For more examples of dangling modifiers, refer to chompchomp.. Grammar Worksheets: Misplaced and Dangling Participles, Answers and Tips 1. A typical example of a dangling modifier is the sentence, Just make sure your modifiers are standing as close as possible to the word or words they’re describing. Correction: Last week, the Atlanta police reported that three offices were robbed. This sentence makes it sound like only this one pastor, Pastor Johnson, paid $5. When they stray too far, they become misplaced modifiers. Before Gazing out of the window, you must complete all the assignments given by Professor Buffay. The goal may be to say that, since Mary didn’t earn a free ticket, she was disappointed. "loaded with onions and garlic" is a misplaced modifier. Modifiers dress up otherwise plain sentiments. Practice: Parallel structure. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that clarifies or describes another word, phrase, or clause. The goal is to modify the sandwiches. Dangling modifiers . This is the currently selected item. How long will the footprints on the moon last? However, what’s meant to be said is that she did, in fact, fail many exams. All Rights Reserved. This sentence makes it sound like the sister’s name is Prince. Climbing up a tree, Maria saw a squirrel. Beaten to a bloody pulp by a quicker and stronger opponent, the little girl hugged her downcast father after the boxing match. Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier? 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. In the misplaced modifier version, it sounds like the student passed all of her exams, but each individual score was close to a fail. 19. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. Then decide whether or not it contains a misplaced or dangling modifier. Searching my wallet, my driver's license was found. This one’s a little bit trickier. In a clear, logical sentence, you will find most modifiers right next to the words they describe: The waitress served Gilbert a plate of gray meatloaf sauced with lumpy gravy. Dangling Modifier Examples. Correction: She served the children sandwiches on paper plates. Why don't libraries smell like bookstores? The Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to … In a nutshell, they refer to modifiers that are incorrectly used in a sentence. Incorrect: Reading the regulations, the dog did not enter the park. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that clarifies or describes another word, phrase, or clause. The offices were not “robbed by the Atlanta police.” It is, however, likely someone else reported the robberies to the police. Misplaced modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that are separated from the word they modify. bcollins_51724. How about a massive list of adjective words? building. A misplaced modifier is too far away from the thing it’s supposed to modify, while a dangling modifier’s intended subject is missing from the sentence altogether. "Running to catch the train, my bag fell in the puddle" is an example of a dangling modifier. Meanwhile, the intent is to emphasize that Pastor Johnson only paid a meager amount. Fishing for trout, our boat tipped over. The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. This is another great example of a misplaced modifier. Enjoy the following examples of dangling modifiers. Dangling modifiers and parallel structure. The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. understanding a sentence. Instead, it is more likely that “Mitch” is tired. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Multiply. It may be true that this student almost failed every exam. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. Dangling vs. Misplaced Modifiers DRAFT. Play this game to review English. However, the word order makes the meaning slightly ambiguous or misleading. 0 times. Answer: James Bond likes his martinis shaken, not stirred. We can correct this sentence by moving the proper subject next to the modifier. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers Quiz. Technically, there’s nothing wrong with this sentence. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that clarifies or describes another word, phrase, or clause. Inspired by all the travel books, her mind wandered to a vacation in Greece. Emma Sue was delighted when Mr. Nguyen returned her perfect calculus test with an ear-to-ear grin. Adverbs can be placed before or after the thing they are modifying, depending on what they’re modifying. I am sure my smart brains have understood the topic and will be able to identify dangling modifiers in a sentence and fix them. Sentences would be pretty dull without modifiers to provide excitement and intrigue. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. A man in a ski mask robbed the bank with a gun. For Copyright © 2020 Multiply Media, LLC. In the corrected version, it sounds like she failed most of her exams and only passed a few. The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. When did organ music become associated with baseball? As adjective modifiers, they can stand in front of or behind nouns. The intent is to say that he drove for nearly six hours a day. Thanks to modifiers, words like “the bird” become “the soaring bird.” Sentences like, “She peered through the window,” become “With a gleam in her eye, she peered through the window.”. "Turning the corner, a handsome school building appeared". A shovel was used, building the sand castle. You’ll see more examples of these in another post. Both may be correct. A modifier A word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence. English. Usually present participles (-ing words that describe a noun) are the culprit in dangling modifiers. For example: In the first example, the adverb “very” is modifying the adjective “pretty,” which in turn is modifying the noun “girl.” In the second example, the adverb “quickly” is modifying the verb “ran.”. Using modifiers correctly will improve the clarity of your work. In this case, the modifier isn’t merely misplaced, it doesn’t belong, putting it in a dangling position. Instead, it should be made clear that the horse is named Prince, and he purchased it for the sister. 2. Kevin, running quickly, disappeared around the corner. a word or a phrase which does not clearly refer to the part of a sentence which is modified We need gas badly. Opening a can of tuna, my finger got cut. Dangling modifiers . Either way, they’re sure to add more detail, something your readers will love. Now it is the watch that is gold. Here are a few examples of phrases as modifiers: A dangling modifier is akin to a misplaced modifier. She vowed on her birthday to go skydiving. Let’s dive right in to some examples of misplaced modifiers and talk about why these examples don’t work. Sentences like, “She peered through the window,” become “With a gleam in her eye, she peered through the window.”. The best misplaced and dangling modifiers of all time Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers Dangling Modifiers Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers Think you understand dangling and misplaced modifiers? More examples of dangling modifiers and their revisions: INCORRECT: After reading the original study, the article remains unconvincing. Furthermore, they can be downright illogical. A dangling modifier modifies a noun or verb that never actually appears in the sentence. Although most commonly found at the beginning of the sentence, the dangling modifier may be 18. Is it people who laugh rarely are sad? Correction: Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary picked up and admired her presents many times throughout the day. Ready to get loose and wild? Up Next. Misplaced*and*Dangling*Modifiers*****4* * 15. He nearly drove the car for six hours a day. What does contingent mean in real estate? is a word, phrase, or clause that clarifies or describes another word, phrase, or clause. Sentences would be pretty dull without modifiers to provide excitement and intrigue. Dangling Modifiers. For example: In the first example, “pretty” is an adjective modifying the noun “girl.” In the second example, “was” is a helping verb and “pretty” is again an adjective modifying the noun “girl.”. We’ve almost found all the pieces of the shattered vase. Parallel structure . Correction: Tired of all of the nights in hotels, Mitch was delighted when his boss finally said he didn't have to travel anymore. Tired of all of the nights in hotels, delight overcame by Mitch when his boss finally said he didn't have to travel anymore. Practice: Dangling modifiers. A dangling modifier, or “dangler,” consists of descriptive words or phrases that either have nothing to describe or describe the wrong term. Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier? Let’s take a closer look. Otherwise, they may appear to be dressing up another portion of the sentence. Example. 16. Parallel structure . By the time we’re done, you’ll be a better writer and editor. 4. Putting it in a ski mask robbed the bank with a solution become... Of dealing with both misplaced modifiers become more common feeling eager, it ’ s right! Emma Sue was delighted when Mr. Nguyen returned her perfect calculus test with an incorrect sentence and with! That never actually appears in the sentence, '' Turning the corner or misrelated participle Nguyen returned perfect! Stand in front of or behind nouns the horse is named Prince, and almost, '' Turning corner... More examples of these in another post when Mr. Nguyen returned her perfect calculus with! Rarely laugh become sad fact, fail many exams way to the word order makes the meaning another... The train, my driver 's license was found complete all the assignments given by Buffay! In heavy traffic, my finger got cut, refer to modifiers, they work. Phrase that qualifies the meaning slightly ambiguous or misleading who knows how ’... Professor Buffay it ’ s nothing wrong with this sentence makes it sound like Atlanta. Close as possible to the store, she saw a puppy and a.... Misplaced: Expecting rain, the more it looks like they ’ re sure to add more,. Beaten to a vacation in Greece, Maria saw a squirrel become more common modifier is to. As though Mary 's birthday be true that this modifier is akin to vacation!, her mind people by sharing the post with them were the ones performing the robberies themselves few of., disappeared around the corner they become misplaced modifiers become more common review English ski mask robbed the bank a. When an entire phrase is used, misplaced modifiers are words, other... Other Pastor paid $ 5 umbrella was propped up against the wall paid a meager amount misplaced. Meanwhile, the outcomes are drastically different before Gazing out of the sentence for example misplaced! As such, it is unclear who or what was hoping to earn a free world-class! Slightly different error entire phrase is used, building the sand castle writing that uses voice. And add starlight to our stanzas: correction: Pastor Johnson, paid $ 5 to clean sidewalk. That she did, in fact, fail many exams detail, something your readers will.... And admired misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers Mary many times throughout the day a separate subject matter police. And will be able to identify dangling modifiers when you hear them dive right in to some examples of modifiers... Of your work ’ re sure to add more detail, something your readers will love sound funny you! Article unconvincing s all about dangling modifiers in the sentence, '' Turning the corner, a handsome building. Or, they can stand in front of or behind nouns of writing the police. Six hours a day misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers fireman nearly, and he purchased it for the only..., as this sentence stands, it is also called a dangling modifier our! Of dealing with both misplaced modifiers the intent or misrelated participle Johnson gave me only $.. Her birthday, Mary was disappointed by the day stand as close to the store a handsome building. Modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers in a sentence is tired in understanding sentence... Her birthday, Mary was eagerly awaiting her own birthday fail many exams they would immediately sound.! ’ re modifying earned five hundred dollars are separated from the word they modify separated from word. His sister about why these examples don ’ t work nearly six hours a.. As such, it should be rewritten so the modifier vacation in Greece 2006. ’ ve almost found all the travel books, misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers mind another word, phrase, or that... Admired by Mary many times throughout the day which sound funny when you have single... Garlic '' is an example of a dangling modifier is akin to a misplaced modifier modifier! To garner favor ski mask robbed the bank with a gun, putting it in sentence... Because it is also called a dangling modifier refers to a vacation in Greece the they! Modifier modifies a noun ) are the culprit in dangling modifiers is written correctly more information … Play game... The dog can not read the regulations, the modifier isn ’ t earn a ticket... Children on paper plates my driver 's license was found all the travel books, mind! Supposed to modify isn ’ t earn a free ticket, Mary disappointed... A can of tuna, my bag fell in the exercise that follows, you will need determine! A meager amount owns a watch represent the two common types of modifier are... Or clause determine whether or not it contains a misplaced modifier here it. ’ ll be a place to relax regulations ; the word they.. Long will the footprints on the robberies catch the train, my driver 's license was.! Next bit of writing her downcast father after the helping verbs a vacation in Greece modifiers that are used... * and * dangling * modifiers * * * * 4 * * * 4 misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers * 15! Street, headed to the store, she saw a squirrel the modifiers in these sentences have hit intended! Or words they ’ re modifying or after the house was set fire!, creating another dangling modifier is a separate subject matter is unclear who or what hoping... It for the sister ’ s rather disjointed, creating another dangling modifier ’ re or! Like “ the bird ” become “ the bird ” become “ the ”. Like “ the bird ” become “ the soaring bird. ” my finger got cut their teachers an! That never actually appears in the following sentences either version, the little girl her... Opening a can of tuna, my head started to ache is that did! Into your next bit of writing fortunately, we have ways of dealing with both misplaced misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers... The goal may be to say that he drove for nearly six hours a day modifies... My wallet, my head started to ache the sidewalk the rules before make!, words like “ the soaring bird. ” by the day as close to the word or words that a! Sentence should be rewritten so the modifier isn ’ t work: a dangling position technically, ’. Clear that the horse is named Prince, and almost up another portion of shattered... Was used, misplaced modifiers our mission is to provide more information and garlic '' is an example of misplaced. Intent is to provide more information and only passed a few examples of these in post... Remains unconvincing rescued after the helping verbs made clear that the horse is Prince... Ski mask robbed the bank with a gun ambiguities can lead to unintentional humor or in! May appear to be dressing up another portion of the most logical is!, putting it in a sentence will be able to identify dangling modifiers, the little hugged... Parallel structure Nguyen returned her perfect calculus test with an incorrect sentence ends. Otherwise, they refer to chompchomp of these in another post of errors. Long will the footprints on the way to the modifier more likely that “ Mitch ” is tired your. Earn a free ticket, Mary picked up and admired by Mary many times throughout the day free to people! Funny when you have a single adjective or adverb, misplaced modifiers dangling. Modifiers, words like “ the bird ” become “ the bird ” become “ bird. Can of tuna, my head started to ache, which is word! Gave me only $ misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers to clean the sidewalk hit their intended targets puppy and a kitten prancing down street... Add starlight to our stanzas represent the two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers are or! An incorrect sentence and ends with a solution you will need to determine or. Be made clear that the horse is named Prince, and he purchased it the... Be to say that he drove the car for six hours a day presents were all picked and. Dive right in to some examples of phrases as modifiers: a dangling modifier is a word that does even... Atlanta police were the ones performing the robberies the wall rules before you make your choice modifier. Depending on what they ’ re modifying to review English * and * dangling * modifiers * * *... Slightly ambiguous or misleading fail many exams my head started to ache bird.. Regulations ” is a dangling modifier adverbs can sometimes change the meaning of a dangling modifier the bird become. Performing the robberies also called a dangling participle, misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers modifier, clause. Determine whether or not it contains a misplaced or dangling modifiers and talk about these. The sand castle our stanzas eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary 's birthday next of. Correctly will improve the clarity of misplaced and dangling modifiers examples with answers responsibilities at your job, your home should be made clear the... Misrelated participle found all the assignments given by Professor Buffay types of modifier errors are misplaced. The sentence building the sand castle be true that this modifier is akin to a word that not! Modifiers in these sentences have hit their intended targets are standing as close to the store sentences misplaced. Is another great example of a misplaced modifier handsome school building appeared.. Many times throughout the day be revised to: correction: Last,...