A dangling modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes something that has been left out of the sentence. When there is nothing that the word, phrase, or clause can modify, the modifier is said to dangle.
Incorrect: Riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly.
Correct: As Jane was riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly.
- In the incorrect sentence, riding in the sports car is dangling. The reader is left wondering who is riding in the sports car. The writer must tell the reader!
Incorrect: Walking home at night, the trees looked like spooky aliens.
Correct: As Jonas was walking home at night, the trees looked like spooky aliens.
Correct: The trees looked like spooky aliens as Jonas was walking home at night.
- In the incorrect sentence walking home at night is dangling. Who is walking home at night? Jonas. Note that there are two different ways the dangling modifier can be corrected.
Incorrect: To win the spelling bee, Luis and Gerard should join our team.
Correct: If we want to win the spelling bee this year, Luis and Gerard should join our team.
- In the incorrect sentence, to win the spelling bee is dangling. Who wants to win the spelling bee? We do!
Tip
The following three steps will help you quickly spot a dangling modifier:
- Look for an -ing modifier at the beginning of your sentence or another modifying phrase:
- Painting for three hours at night, the kitchen was finally finished by Maggie. (Painting is the -ing modifier.)
- Underline the first noun that follows it:
- Painting for three hours at night, the kitchen was finally finished by Maggie.
- Make sure the modifier and noun go together logically. If they do not, it is very likely you have a dangling modifier.
Painting for three hours at night, Maggie finally finished the kitchen.
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