Dangling/Misplaced ModifiersDangling/Misplaced Modifiers

Definition:

A modifier, or modifying phrase, is a word or phrase that

explains or describes a word. Dangling/misplaced modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that do not point clearly to the word or words they modify.

Example:

Modifier misplaced:

He is a short man with a bushy moustache weighing 200 pounds.

What’s wrong with this sentence?

He is a short man with a bushy moustache weighing 200 pounds.

This sentence suggests that the man’s moustache weighs 200

pounds!

Here are clearer versions:•He is a short man weighing 200 pounds and sporting a bushy moustache.

•He is a short man with a bushy moustache, and he weighs 200 pounds.

So, how do I fix them?So, how do I fix them?

• Make sure modifiers are as close as possible to the word they are explaining or describing.

• Also, keep apart ideas that are not related.

Another example:

I was told that Maurice broke the figurine by my mother.

Problem: Was the figurine near her mother, or did her mother tell her about the figurine breaking?

Fixes: • My mother told me that Maurine broke

the figurine.• I was told by my mother that Maurine

broke the figurine.

Another example

Eating six corn dogs, nausea overwhelmed Jane.

Problem: This sentence suggests that nausea ate six corndogs.

Fix:

• Eating six corndogs, Jane felt overwhelmed with nausea.

• Nausea overwhelmed Jane after she ate six corndogs.