Dangling Modifiers | How To Fix Them

A modifier is used in a sentence to describe, qualify, or limit other elements of the sentence, such as a noun, a verb, an adjective, or another modifier itself. Depending on the structure and syntax of the sentence, they are placed either before or after the word or phrase to be modified.

In simple terms, modifiers help to add or make clear the meaning of the word or phrase they modify, hence making writing more precise and detailed.

What is a Dangling Modifier?

A dangling modifier refers to a grammatical error wherein a modifier cannot be clearly or logically sensibly linked to the word or words it is intended to modify.

Dangling modifiers may threaten the clarity and meaning, well carried out by the writers, since readers may fail to get the intended information.

Examples of Dangling Modifiers

• At the Beginning of a Sentence:
  • “Running to catch the bus, the rain started to fall.”
  • “Running to catch the bus” does not give any specific information about the subject and therefore confuses who is running.
• At the End of the Sentence:
  • “The computer crashed after finishing the project.”
  • Here the phrase “after finishing the project” is supposed to modify the subject of the sentence, but it is confusing who finished the project.

How to Identify the Dangling Modifier?

Dangling modifiers are mostly difficult to find because the sentence modifiers do not have clear, logical references to a word or words in the sentence. Here is an explanation of how a dangling modifier can be found:

1. Know Where to Place Modifiers: Most dangling modifiers occur at the beginning or end of a sentence, but they are not in the right place. Pay special attention to introductory phrases or clauses that describe something in the main clause.
2. Check Subject Modifier: Check whether a subject is modified by another element in the sentence, indicating if the subject that is modified by the modifier is clear from what is written in the sentence.
3. Confirm Connection: Ensure the modifier directly follows or clearly refers to the word or phrase it is intended to modify. This is to be seen if the subject of the modifier is clearly mentioned in the sentence.

How to Fix Dangling Modifier?

Dealing with the dangling modifier is dealing with the clear and logical connection between the modifier and the word or phrase that should be modified in the sentence. Here is the specific way to fix dangling modifiers:

1. Identify the Subject: Identify which subject of the modifier should be the subject doing or completing the action the modifier portrays. In other words, say who or what does the action the modifier describes.
2. Place Modifier Close to Subject: The placement of the modifier must bring it closer to the word or phrase being modified. Rearrange the structure of the sentence in order to locate the modifier next to the subject it describes or near this particular subject.
3. Replace or Clarify: Clarify if necessary to show how the subject and the modifier connect. Add the missing subject to the sentence or provide additional context to clarify the intended meaning.
4. Use Specific Language: Replace vague or ambiguous language with specific terms to ensure clarity. Choose precise words and phrases that leave no doubt about the subject being modified.

Examples for Finding and Fixing Dangling Modifiers

1. Incorrect Sentence: “Running to catch the bus, the rain started to fall.”
   • Fix: “Running to catch the bus, the rain started to fall.”
   • A subject has to be attached to the verb; it is also supposed to complete the introductory participial element. It indicates that the actions both started when Sarah ran to catch the bus.
2. Incorrect Sentence: “After finishing the project, the computer crashed.”
   • Revision: “After I finished the project, I realized that the computer had crashed.”
   • Identify a subject and make sure the “after” or “before” phrase is attached to it by using the same subject.
3. Incorrect Sentence: “Having arrived late, the meeting started without me.”
   • Correction: “The meeting started without me; I arrived late.”
   • The sentence is revised by changing the compound sentence into two simple sentences, ensuring clarity to the reader.

Dangling Modifiers- FAQs

Is dangling modifier a mistake?

A dangling modifier occurs in a sentence when a word or phrase that describes or clarifies another word is misplaced or lacks a clear subject to modify.

How do you check dangling modifiers?

To identify a dangling modifier, check for introductory phrases or clauses that describe something in the main clause, and ensure that the subject being described by the modifier is clearly stated in the sentence.

Why is it important to fix dangling modifiers?

Fixing dangling modifiers is important for maintaining clarity and coherence in writing. By ensuring that modifiers are correctly connected to the words or phrases they modify, writers can eliminate confusion and ambiguity