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Dangling Modifiers

This document discusses dangling modifiers and how to identify and fix them. It defines a dangling modifier as a word or phrase that does not clearly refer to a specific subject. Dangling modifiers are often found as opening phrases or contain verbs ending in "-ing" or begin with "to." There are two main ways to fix a dangling modifier: 1) Identify the subject performing the action in the independent clause. 2) Identify the subject performing the action within the dangling modifier itself.

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151 views2 pages

Dangling Modifiers

This document discusses dangling modifiers and how to identify and fix them. It defines a dangling modifier as a word or phrase that does not clearly refer to a specific subject. Dangling modifiers are often found as opening phrases or contain verbs ending in "-ing" or begin with "to." There are two main ways to fix a dangling modifier: 1) Identify the subject performing the action in the independent clause. 2) Identify the subject performing the action within the dangling modifier itself.

Uploaded by

Yo Jie
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The College of Saint Rose Writing Center, 2008

What is a Dangling Modifier?


A dangling modifier is a word or phrase within a sentence that does not clearly refer to a specific
subject.

How can a Dangling Modifier be recognized?


o Dangling modifiers are most often found as the opening phrase of a sentence. However, they
can be found at the end of sentences as well.
o Dangling modifiers frequently contain verbs ending in “–ing” or begin with the word “to.”
Examples:

Dangling Modifier:

This sentence does not clearly state who needs a doctor’s note in order to be excused.
The dangling modifier begins with the word “to.”

Correction

This sentence now clearly states that students need a doctor’s note in order to be excused from
class.

Dangling Modifier:

This sentence does not clearly state who is using MLA format for their papers.
The dangling modifier includes a verb ending in “—ing” (using).

Correction:

This sentence now clearly states that Matt is writing the papers and becoming familiar with
MLA format.

(OVER)
The College of Saint Rose Writing Center, 2008

How can a Dangling Modifier be fixed?


Option A: Identify the subject performing the action within the independent clause.
Example:

Dangling Modifier: !

This sentence gives the impression that it was the test that studied for ten straight days and not
a student.
The dangling modifier includes a verb ending in “—ing” (having).

Correction: "

The sentence now clearly states that Justin found the test easy to pass after studying.
The person performing the action is found within the independent clause, following the opening
phrase.
******************************************************************************

Option B: Identify the subject performing the action within the dangling modifier.
Example:

Dangling Modifier: # !

This sentence does not make it clear who tried out the various cookie recipes.
The dangling modifier includes a verb ending in “—ing” (trying).

Correction: # !

The sentence now clearly states that Theresa tried out many different recipes.
The person performing the action is found within the modifying phrase.
__________________________________________________________________________________

!!! "! # $ % &' () ' *

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