dangling & misplaced modifiers

What is a modifier?

• A word, phrase, or clause that gives information about a noun or verb in a sentence

Example: The red apple on the table is delicious. 

• The modifier “red” describes the apple

• “On the table” is also a modifier because it describes where the apple is located

Dangling Modifiers

Dangling Modifiers do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence.

Example: Climbing the mountain, my backpack fell in the mud.

Modifier- “Climbing the mountain” What it modifies- “I”

PROBLEM: It sound as if the backpack was climbing the mountain

Correct: My backpack fell in the mud as I was climbing the mountain.

Misplaced Modifers

Misplaced Modifiers do not clearly associate with the word or phrase they modify.  

Example: He gave his sister the stuffed bear with a polka-dot dress.

Modifier: “with a polka-dot dress”

What it modifies: “sister ”

PROBLEM: It sound as if the bear has a polka-dot dress.

Correct: He gave the stuffed bear to his sister with a polka-dot dress.

Which sentence is correct?

A. The boy, loaded with cheese and sausage, ate a pizza.

B. The boy ate a pizza who has a mohawk.

C. Whimpering for a dog bone, the boy ate a pizza.

D. The boy, who has a mohawk, ate a pizza loaded with cheese and sausage.

A. The boy, loaded with cheese and sausage, ate a pizza.
misplaced

B. The boy ate a pizza who has a mohawk.
misplaced

C. Whimpering for a dog bone, the boy ate a pizza.
dangling

D. The boy, who has a mohawk, ate a pizza loaded with cheese and sausage.
Correct