Dangling modifiers
What are they?
Much of the work in sentences is handled by modifiers—especially adjectives and adverbs. These modifying words expand what we know about subjects, verbs, and other sentence elements.
When misplaced, they can cause confusion if they are detached from the words that they are supposed to modify in a sentence.
Let’s look at the dangling modifier examples below to see how this type of error can happen and how it can be fixed!
- A modifier is considered misplaced when it hooks up with the wrong word or phrase, sometimes with comic effect.
Misplaced modifier
After returning from the dead, my sister took the plants outside.
Corrected
After the plants returned from the dead, my sister took them outside.
2. A modifier dangles when it doesn’t have a word or phrase to connect with in a sentence. So, it doesn’t make any logical connection.
Dangling modifier
Before sending out the invitations, a venue for their wedding has to be found.
The phrase in bold doesn’t apply to anything in the main part of the sentence.
The structure of the sentence requires people to carry out the action.
Correct
Before sending out the invitations, the couple will have to find a venue for their wedding.
As a copyeditor, when I spot a dangling modifier in a text, I add as a comment dm, dang, or dang mod. Sometimes, in the comment section of a document, I will just write “please elaborate”, or propose another logical version instead.
3. Make sure that an introductory modifying phrase is followed by the word it modifies.
Sometimes you will have to insert a word that the introductory phrase can modify. In other cases, the entire sentence may have to be rearranged.
Misplaced modifier
Never having children, rising college costs do not concern Amanda.
As you can see, the boldfaced phrase doesn’t refer to the costs, the closest noun to it; it describes Amanda.
Correct
Never having children, Amanda is unconcerned about rising college costs.
4. Supply a word for a dangling modifier to modify. This often requires rewriting the entire sentence, since you must usually add a word or phrase that the sentence alludes to.
Dangling modifier
On returning to the office after the lockdown, the furniture had been rearranged.
The sentence has to be revised to include a subject to which the modifier will relate.
Possible revision
On returning to the office after the lockdown, the staff found that the furniture had been rearranged.
Extra tip!
Sometimes modifying phrases may look like dangling modifiers but they can actually be absolute phrases. To distinguish them you have to figure out whether they are complete in themselves and/or whether they provide additional information about the sentence of which they are part of.
Absolute
Example: To be quite honest, going local is the best solution to reduce our carbon footprint.
Dangling and misplaced modifiers can create ambiguities and discrepancies in the development of your ideas. To be frank, they are quite hard to catch!
Get in touch if you need a keen eye!