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