Previously on the
Dangling Modifier Chronicles…
We reviewed our dangling modifier definition (a word
or phrase that does not clearly modify another word
or word group in sentences) as well as how to locate
know when one occurs.
We also learned that by changing the phrase that
contains the dangling modifier into a complete
introductory clause by naming the doer of the action
in that clause, we can correct this confusing
problem.
Having fallen off the ladder, my ankle was bruised
and swollen. (Incorrect)
becomes
After I fell off the ladder, my ankle was bruised
and swollen. (Correct)
Stay tuned, for, can you believe it… there are two
other ways to correct dangling modifiers.
If putting the name of the actor into the
introductory dangling modifier is getting old, there
are other methods of correcting them.
First, you can combine the
dangling modifier and the main clause into one
sentence.
Let's see how it works.
Ex. Crouched and ugly, the young boy gasped at the
phantom moving across the stage. (Incorrect)
We know this sentence contains a dangling modifier
because the subject of the sentence, the young boy
does not fit logically with the introductory phrase
crouched and ugly. The young boy was crouched and
ugly and not the phantom?
Let’s try combining the phrase and main clause into
one sentence.
Ex. The young boy gasped at the crouched and ugly
phantom moving across the stage. (Correct)
Or, you can rewrite the main clause so that its
subject is also the actor of the modifying phrase.
Ex. When entering the theater, the lights began to
flicker. (Incorrect)
We know this sentence contains a dangling modifier
because the subject of the sentence, the lights
does not fit logically with the introductory phrase
when entering the theater.
Let’s try rewriting the main clause so that the
subject is also the actor of the modifying phrase.
Ex. When entering the theater, we noticed the lights
began to flicker. (Correct)
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The
Author
Jennifer Mond
is a peer writing tutor at the University of
Houston-Victoria and an education major. She began working
in the Academic Center in spring 2008 and is CRLA certified
at level three. She enjoys spending time with her friends,
family, and her silly miniature schnauzer Dixie.
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References
Dangling Modifiers (2004). Purdue University Online
Writing Lab. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
Glenn, C. & Gray, L. Hodges’ Harbrace Handbook (16th Ed.)
Boston: Thomson
Wadsworth: Boston
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