A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is meant to modify a word, but that word is missing or in the wrong place in the sentence — leaving the modifier to attach to the wrong noun. The result is often unintentionally absurd. This is a common writing error at advanced level. This is exercise 1 of 2 in this series.
Topic: DANGLING MODIFIERS 1
level: Advanced (C1/C2)
GRAMMAR REVIEW! Dangling modifiers — what they are and how to spot them
A dangling modifier is an introductory phrase or clause whose implied subject does not match the grammatical subject of the main clause. The modifier “dangles” because the word it is meant to describe is absent or misplaced.
Classic example:
✗ Exhausted from the hike, the tent seemed like a palace.
(Who was exhausted? Not the tent — but that’s what the sentence grammatically says.)
Corrected:
✓ Exhausted from the hike, we thought the tent seemed like a palace.
The test: Ask who or what is performing the action in the introductory phrase. That person or thing must be the grammatical subject of the main clause that follows.
Common triggers:
• Present participle phrases: Running to catch the bus, …
• Past participle phrases: Confused by the instructions, …
• Prepositional phrases with an implied actor: As a first-time visitor, …
A dangling modifier is an introductory phrase or clause whose implied subject does not match the grammatical subject of the main clause. The modifier “dangles” because the word it is meant to describe is absent or misplaced.
Classic example:
✗ Exhausted from the hike, the tent seemed like a palace.
(Who was exhausted? Not the tent — but that’s what the sentence grammatically says.)
Corrected:
✓ Exhausted from the hike, we thought the tent seemed like a palace.
The test: Ask who or what is performing the action in the introductory phrase. That person or thing must be the grammatical subject of the main clause that follows.
Common triggers:
• Present participle phrases: Running to catch the bus, …
• Past participle phrases: Confused by the instructions, …
• Prepositional phrases with an implied actor: As a first-time visitor, …
Decide whether each sentence is CORRECT or has a DANGLING MODIFIER.
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