Name the appropriate or logical doer of the action as the subject of the main clause: Who arrived late? is correct or contains a misplaced Correct: If we want to win the spelling bee this year, Luis and Gerard should join our team. Sentence 3: Change "he" to "they" Sentence 4: Change "it" to " a test." Which sentence contains a dangling modifier? Choisis la preposition et l'article ou la contraction qui convient pour completer chaque phrase. Purdue OWL is a registered trademark. B) The school bus has a morning and afternoon route. A participial phrase or clause is a wonderful tool for writers because it gives color and action to a sentence. is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this correctly composed sentence, the reader knows that the team captain arrived late and needs a written excuse. (2016). Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. document.write([location.protocol, '//', location.host, location.pathname].join('')); After identifying the dangling modifier, rewrite the sentence. Last Edited: 2013-01-07 12:05:23. Bent over backward, the posture was very challenging. a metallic green tail replaced Tommys legs! He improved his results by doing the experiment again. This website collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have contributed those ideas in their capacities as faculty-mentored student scholars. My uncle had to see a doctor with indigestion. Misplaced modifiers describe a word or phrase that is in the sentence, but in the wrong place. Sometimes, modifiers can get lost or misplaced in a sentence. Fowlers dictionary of modern English usage(4th ed.). Dangling modifiers often appear at the beginning of the sentence as a participle phrase. 2.7 Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers - Writing for Success Print Worksheet. The first is Usage and Mechanics (including punctuation, grammar, usage, and sentence structure). To fix a misplaced modifier in your writing, you simply have to rearrange the words in a sentence. A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a concept. A. Question: Dangling Modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. Mr. Fernandez is teaching us about great world leaders. This is an example of how dangling modifiers can result in nonsensical sentences. See this page on varying sentence structure for more information. One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. Correct: As Jane was riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly. The misplaced modifier is separated from the word its supposed to describe, so the meaning of the sentence is lost. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that describe other words and phrases. Take a look at these examples to see a variety of ways modifiers operate in sentences: Modifiers are words that modify their sentences meanings by adding details and clarifying facts or by differentiating between people, events, or objects. Take a look at these two examples: The second sentence is more descriptive because of the modifiers it contains. highlighted item in the passage below. A dangling modifier is misplaced because it does not have anything to modify. Painting for three hours at night, Maggie finally finished the kitchen. The materials collected here do not express the views of, or positions held by, Purdue University. The possible revision might look like this: The main clause now names the person (the captain) who did the action in the modifying phrase (arrived late). We glued together the vase we broke quietly. 2 syllables. Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers | Exercise 2 | Grammar Bytes! This handout provides a detailed overview (including descriptions and examples) of gerunds, participles, and infinitives. Here, well explain how to avoid and fix misplaced modifiers so you come across as intended whenever you communicate. PDF Dangling Modifiers - Nova Southeastern University Chapter 4: Working with Words: Which Word Is Right? Later on in the passage, we learn that T. S. Eliot was not a man concerned with a "new" style of writing and yet was able to produce "innovative" poetry. Here are a few examples: You might be able to guess what these sentences are communicating, but they feel awkward and choppy. Usually, this means right before or after the noun: This is also true when theyre modifying a, When a modifier isnt in this position, it can make the sentence confusing for a reader or listener. The modifier "vegetarian" gives extra information about what kind of burger it is. Sentence 1: Change "you" to "they' Sentence 2: Change "me" to "I". Retrieved May 1, 2023, We returned the wine to the waiter that was sour. Which of the following sentences contains a dangling modifier? Problem. If either of these errors occurs, readers can no longer read smoothly. A word or phrase that modifies a term that is not explicitly expressed in the sentence is known as a dangling modifier. To revise, decide who actually arrived late. Leaving home for my first apartment, there was a sense of excitement. A dangling modifier is a type of misplaced modifier. Take a look at these examples: , the kids who played at the playground bought ice cream. As we mentioned above, modifiers can be single words, phrases, or clauses. The teacher served cookies to the children wrapped in aluminum foil. Check all that apply. A dog appeared in my dreams that sang like an angel. Chewing furiously, the gum fell out of my mouth. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that, because of its incorrect position within a sentence, modifies the wrong thing. You should be aware that textbook requirements might change for this course while processing your order. early (adverb), The participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying Lynn. Terms Exercises D) While waiting for the bus, Egypt ate her breakfast. Correct: They bought a kitten they call Shadow for my brother. from the judges. The word "address" in the passage, in both instances, is meant to express some way that a style of writing might relate to its contemporary world. B. Correct: She wore a bicycle helmet that was too large on her head. For example, in the following sentence, the word "burger" is modified by the word "vegetarian": A modifier can be an adjective (a word that modifies a noun, like "burger"), but it can also be an adverb (a word that modifies a verb): A modifier can even be a phrase or clause, as in the following example: Modifiers can also be used for sentence variety. Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices. Looking around the aisle of my local drugstore, I was amazed by the varieties of cosmetics that are available today. 4) In my opinion, scoring well on it is all about how you prepare. Chapter 5: Help for English Language Learners, Chapter 6: Writing Paragraphs: Separating Ideas and Shaping Content. In this sentence, it is Jill. Does it modify "Dolger" or "civilization"? abilities, the training and advice Marina offered went unheeded. Everyone makes a mistake once in a while; no one is infallible. 1. Example The example above suggests that a gold manowns a watch. When a modifier is ambiguously or illogically modifying a word, we consider it amisplaced modifier. Correct: As Jane was riding in the sports car . along the shoreline (prepositional phrase as adverb), The participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying children. I did not think that the clown was funny. See APA 7, Section 4.23 for more explanation and examples. Making discoveries about new creatures, this is an interesting time to be a biologist. A woman's body needs time to heal after a traumatic event such as childbirth, which can take many weeks. Solved Dangling Modifiers are words or phrases that do not - Chegg This resource explains what a dangling modifier is and how to correct the problem. Write PPP above each proper noun and CCC above each common noun. A few examples of single words that may be used as modifiers are: Modifier phrases, which can be adverbial or adjectival phrases, are phrases like: Sometimes, clauses act as modifiers. Certainly, foot can't be logically understood to function in this way. If they do not, it is very likely you have a dangling modifier. Shop Incorrect: To win the spelling bee, Luis and Gerard should join our team. Present participles end in -ing. Which sentence contains a dangling modifier? Naturally, theyre often used as modifiers: Adverbial phrases are a lot like adjectival phrases in that theyre phrases that perform the same functions as adverbs. What is a Dangling Modifier? Definition, Examples of Dangling Modifiers made a proposal: She would turn him into a merman with the grace and athleticism With a modifier. An adjective phrase can act as a modifier. With modifiers. For example, heres how the word, Demonstrative Pronouns: Definition and Examples. As we mentioned above, modifiers are words that modify their sentences meanings. Piled up next to the bookshelf, I chose a romance novel. Want to create or adapt books like this? The priceless painting drew large crowds when walking into the museum. In the incorrect sentence, it seems that the brothers name is. Rewrite the following paragraph correcting all the misplaced and dangling modifiers. January 17, 2020 hair, which became dry and brittle. Dangling modifiers (practice) | Khan Academy All rights reserved. a. de la b. des c.du 5. This can produce to difficulty in the comprehension of the text. Instead, they become stumped trying to figure out what the writer meant to say. (a) mockery, (b) derision, (c) decision, (d) contempt. A. Definition and Examples of a Dangling Modifier - ThoughtCo A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is separated from the word it describes, creating confusion and ambiguity. A. REVISED: After reading the original study, I find the article unconvincing. Combine the phrase and main clause into one: Who wanted to improve results? Cite This Source. The participial phrase contains a participle and the other words in the phrase that modify the noun or . The clown at the party was very nice. Usage and Mechanics requires fine-tuned punctuation and grammar knowledge. Participles and participial phrases must be placed as close to the nouns or pronouns they modify as possible, and those nouns or pronouns must be clearly stated. Incorrect. c) comes at the end of a sentence and is separated from the word it modifies. she dove into the ocean depths. Did we build a house using bricks? To raise a good dog, patience is useful. C. After eating the cat food, Bowie belched. (Ed.). Playing a guitar in the bedroom, the cat was seen under the bed. Having been (participle) The adverb "carefully" is the modifier in this exampleit modifies the verb "proofread," giving important details about how the proofreading was conducted. Chapter 2: Writing Basics: What Makes a Good Sentence? With the misplaced modifier, the word it describes is there, but in the wrong place. Of course, the writer is referring to the helmet, not to the persons head. are phrases that function as adjectives, which means they describe nouns. Scrubbing the tile grout with bleach and an old toothbrush, the mildew stains began to fade. What is a dangling modifier? Because of the separation, sentences with this error often sound awkward, ridiculous, or confusing. In the second, did they run out of bricks? from https://www.scribbr.com/sentence-structure/dangling-modifier/. A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a concept. Didn't find what you need? to use conditioner, for example, the sun and salt water soon damaged Tommys This sentence says that "it" didn't know his name. This is known as a. The second sentence contains both a modifier and a modifier phrase. To raise a good dog, patience is useful. Dangling his legs over the water, Tommy sat on the pier and cried. Now, lets look at a similar misplaced modifier example: Happy that school was over, the afternoon was quite relaxing for the students. They can make a sentences meaning clearer, make a sentence more specific, or simply make it more engaging. 1.4 Introduction to Writing: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 2.8 Writing Basics: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 3.9 Punctuation: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 4.7 Working with Words: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 5.3 Count and Noncount Nouns and Articles, 5.9 Help for English Language Learners: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 6.2 Effective Means for Writing a Paragraph, 6.3 Writing Paragraphs: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 7.4 Refining Your Writing: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 8.5 The Writing Process: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 9.1 Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement, 9.4 Writing Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs, 9.5 Writing Essays: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 10.10 Rhetorical Modes: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 11.2 Steps in Developing a Research Proposal, 11.4 Strategies for Gathering Reliable Information, 11.5 Critical Thinking and Research Applications, 11.6 Writing from Research: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 12.1 Creating a Rough Draft for a Research Paper, 12.2 Developing a Final Draft of a Research Paper, 12.3 Writing a Research Paper: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 13.4 Using Modern Language Association (MLA) Style, 13.5 APA and MLA Documentation and Formatting: End-of-Chapter Exercises, 14.2 Incorporating Effective Visuals into a Presentation, 14.4 Creating Presentations: End-of-Chapter Exercises. A dangling modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes something that has been left out of the sentence. When a modifier is not modifying a specific word, we call it a dangling modifier. While driving to the veterinarians office, the dog nervously whined. A modifier describes or qualifies another part of a sentence. In the example below, the introductory phrase modifies Jane, the subject of the main clause. 1) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. uses anaphora and connotation in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. A dangerous and foolhardy activity, To fix a misplaced modifier, rearrange the words in a sentence. This modifier placement makes it clear that "Dolger" is the one using astronavigation. Rewrite and paraphrase texts instantly with our AI-powered paraphrasing tool. Usually, this means right before or after the noun: This is also true when theyre modifying a verb or adjective: When a modifier isnt in this position, it can make the sentence confusing for a reader or listener. A modifier provides a concept's definition, clarification, or more information. Directions: Read the sentence below. or The passage continues claiming . act as modifiers. Crawling across the floor, the blocks fell over. What is a misplaced modifier - towson.edu Fundamentally, modifiers purpose is to make sentences more descriptive or detailed. Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. A problem arises when these modifying phrases aren't clearly attached to the subject of a sentence . Since a person must be doing the carrying for the sentence to make sense, a noun or pronoun that refers to a person must be in the place immediately after the participial phrase, as in the second sentence. | Examples & How to Eliminate. To revise, decide who was trying to introduce him. Read our website accessibility and accommodation statement. Packing for a trip, a cockroach scurried down the hallway. 1) People know that taking tests is hard, but you will get better grades by studying. A dangling modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies an element that is missing from a sentence. Both of the example sentences above are complete sentences, but only one provides additional details about the train ride. Do you really want to submit? a curt goodbye, Marinas tail slapped the surface dismissively as A. , all rights reserved. a. du b. au c. de la 3. Infused with his great sadness, With no intelligible written dialect of this ancient civilization, the story of Easter Island remains a matter of speculation. Which sentences combine the ideas correctly? Copyright 1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though they can also appear at a sentence's end. Misplaced modifiers are closely related to another common grammar mistake, dangling modifiers. out on a swim, Tommy drank a root beer and tossed the empty plastic bottle Happy that school was over, the students thought the afternoon was quite relaxing. Misplaced Typically, modifiers are adjectives and adverbs, but they can also be prepositional phrases or even entire clauses. The following sentence has an incorrect usage: "Having finished" is a participle expressing action, but the doer is not the TV set (the subject of the main clause): TV sets don't finish assignments. Heres an example of a dangling modifier: Happy that school was over, the afternoon was quite relaxing. In English sentences, the doer must be the subject of the main clause that follows. Incorrect: Riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly. Generate accurate APA, MLA, and Chicago citations for free with Scribbr's Citation Generator. When you write a formal essay, you should always follow the steps of the writing process, including prewriting to gather your ideas, drafting to organize your ideas, and making revisions to make sure your ideas are logical. Contributors: Chris Berry, Karl Stolley Misplaced modifiers are a major grammar mistake writers should avoid. Click the card to flip 1 / 10 Flashcards 3. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though they can also appear at a sentence's end. Which Sentence Contains A Misplaced Modifier? (a) After The Dogs Had October 20, 2022. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. Here are a few example sentences: Limiting modifiers are modifiers that add detail by describing the limits a noun, pronoun, or other subject in a sentence faces. Which sentence contains a dangling modifier? When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice. Adjective phrases are phrases that function as adjectives, which means they describe nouns. Canvas Ideally, modifiers appear next to the word or phrase they describe, either directly before or after it. Oxford University Press. Participles and participial phrases must be placed as close to the nouns or pronouns they modify . Which sentence corrects the dangling modifier in the sample sentence? of a dolphin! Theres nothing like a cone of chocolate ice cream on a hot day. Copyright 1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. Printed from Stressed syllable in passage: pas-sage. Sophie va aller ________ supermarche ce matin. There are several effective ways to identify and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers. cat surprised us by accepting the new kitten. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Privacy policy. Take a look at these examples to see a variety of ways modifiers operate in sentences: Before school starts, the teachers all drink, Modifiers work by adding descriptive language to sentences, either just before or just after the words they are modifying. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifiesthat is, gives information aboutanother word in the same sentence. Birth defects are common among addicted mothers, such as chronic lung diseases. Incorrect: They bought a kitten for my brother they call Shadow. This website collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have contributed those ideas in their capacities as faculty-mentored student scholars. Copyright 2022 by The On-Campus Writing Lab& The OWL at Purdueand Purdue University. This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. Handouts Rules The second sentence is more descriptive because of the modifiers it contains. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below. We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. No! When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice. Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers | Exercise 1 | Grammar Bytes! Robust, real-time communication assistance, Write, rewrite, get ideas, and quickly reply with GrammarlyGO, Features to polish, grammar, tone, clarity, team consistency, and more, Writing assistance on 500,000+ apps and sites across your devices, For desktop apps and websites like Word and Gmail, For sites like Google Docs, Gmail, and LinkedIn, Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, Format citations in APA, MLA, and Chicago, Modifiers, as their name implies, are words that modify. scrambling endangered sea turtle eggs for breakfast, an apology had to be 3. They frequently include an -ing word (gerund) and to + verb (infinitive) phrase near the start of a sentence. (Painting is the -ing modifier.). Removing (participle) What Is a Misplaced Modifier? | Examples & How to Fix - Scribbr
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