DANGLING MODIFIERS 2
level: Advanced (C1-C2)
This second dangling modifiers exercise presents paired sentences: for many topics, one version has a dangling modifier and the other is correctly formed. This makes it easier to feel the contrast between correct and incorrect modifier placement. Start with exercise 1 if you haven't already.
GRAMMAR REVIEW! Dangling modifiers — correction strategies
Recall: a dangling modifier occurs when the introductory phrase has an implied subject that does not match the grammatical subject of the main clause.
How to fix a dangling modifier:
Option 1 — Change the subject of the main clause so it matches the modifier:
✗ Driving home, the storm grew worse.
✓ Driving home, we watched the storm grow worse.
Option 2 — Rewrite the modifier as a full subordinate clause with an explicit subject:
✗ Driving home, the storm grew worse.
✓ While we were driving home, the storm grew worse.
Watch especially for:
• Introductory -ing phrases: Running to catch the bus, _____
• Introductory -ed/-en phrases: Exhausted from the journey, _____
• Introductory prepositional phrases with an implied actor: At the age of ten, _____
Recall: a dangling modifier occurs when the introductory phrase has an implied subject that does not match the grammatical subject of the main clause.
How to fix a dangling modifier:
Option 1 — Change the subject of the main clause so it matches the modifier:
✗ Driving home, the storm grew worse.
✓ Driving home, we watched the storm grow worse.
Option 2 — Rewrite the modifier as a full subordinate clause with an explicit subject:
✗ Driving home, the storm grew worse.
✓ While we were driving home, the storm grew worse.
Watch especially for:
• Introductory -ing phrases: Running to catch the bus, _____
• Introductory -ed/-en phrases: Exhausted from the journey, _____
• Introductory prepositional phrases with an implied actor: At the age of ten, _____
1. Decide whether each sentence is CORRECT or has a DANGLING MODIFIER. 1. Coming back from the beach, the city seemed crowded and unfriendly.
Correct answer: DANGLING MODIFIER
2. Coming back from the beach, Jim was taken aback by how crowded the city was.
Correct answer: CORRECT
3. Having lived in three different cities already, I was happy to learn that I wouldn't be moving again.
Correct answer: CORRECT
4. Waiting to hear the news, the stress was too much to bear.
Correct answer: DANGLING MODIFIER
5. Waiting for the taxi, Paul thought about what had happened the previous day.
Correct answer: CORRECT
6. Driving to the restaurant, the muffler was making a lot of noise.
Correct answer: DANGLING MODIFIER
7. Driving to the restaurant, we were overwhelmed by how much noise the muffler was making.
Correct answer: CORRECT
8. At the age of twenty, my brother decided to move back to Canada.
Correct answer: CORRECT
9. Although we were surprised by his decision, we didn't say anything to him.
Correct answer: CORRECT
10. Walking back to the house, the birds seemed more agitated than they normally were.
Correct answer: DANGLING MODIFIER
