Dangling Modifiers

What is a dangling modifier?

A modifying word, phrase, or clause that DOES NOT CLEARLY AND SENSIBLY modify any word or word group in a sentence is a dangling modifier.

Examples

Foggy, we couldn’t see eight feet in front of us. In the fog, we couldn’t see eight feet in front of us. We couldn’t see eight feet in front of us in the foggy

weather.

To win the election, your support will be needed. To win the election, I will need your support. If I am to win the election, your support will be

needed.

Exercise (as class)

Read each sentence below, and decide whether it is clear or it contains a dangling modifier. Revise sentences to correct dangling modifiers.

1. Coming into the hall, the bouquet on the table looked beautiful.

2. To solve the problem, patience is necessary.3. Exhausted by all the hard work, it felt good to sit down.4. Watching the clock, the speaker summed up her last two

points.5. In search of a quarter under the seat, his car bumped

into the tollbooth.6. After spending all day Saturday reading, my eyes ached.7. To give ourselves enough time, the taxi picked us up an

hour and a half before our train left.8. While working in New York, Sora’s family lived in

California.9. Peering at my map, the streets looked completely

unfamiliar.10. Not usually shy, public speaking upset his stomach.

Written Exercise (on your own)

Read each sentence below, and decide whether it is clear or it contains a dangling modifier. Revise sentences to correct dangling modifiers.

1. While reading the newspaper, the cat jumped on the table and sat on the front page.

2. To increase sales, the company’s customer service must improve.

3. Having discussed the chapter thoroughly, it was time for the quiz.

4. Beside herself with joy, her first impulse was to share the news with everyone.

5. Written in advance, the ambassador’s statement was clear and direct.

6. For returning the videotape early, the next rental is free.7. While on her backpacking trip, the compass proved

essential.8. To set the clock, the “mode” button must be pressed first.9. Not one to give up easily, the second attempt to climb the

mountain would be a success.10. Cartwheeling head over foot, the spectators gasped at the

acrobatic spectacle.