DANGLING

MODIFIERS

M INI - L

E S SON #4 8

UWF WR I T

I NG L

A B

WHAT IS A DANGLING MODIFIERA dangling modifier is created when the noun or idea being modified is left out of the sentence. The modified term must be openly provided in the sentence. Knowing intuitively what is being modified does not make a correct sentence.

CONSIDER THIS SENTENCE

Having finished the chores, the TV was turned on.

The TV finished the chores?

NOW CONSIDER THIS SENTENCE

Having finished the assignment, Jill turned on the TV.

EXAMPLE

S OF DANGLIN

G

MODIFIERS AND

REVISIONS

DANGLING MODIFIERSDangling Modifier:Upon seeing the stop sign, the car screeched to a halt.

The car saw the stop sign?

Revised Dangling Modifier:Upon seeing the stop sign, I brought my car to a screeching stop.

I saw the stop sign.

Dangling ModifiersUpon completing countless hours of research, my paper finally began to take shape.

Revised Dangling ModifierUpon completing countless hours of research, I saw my paper finally taking shape.After I completed countless hours of research, my paper finally began to take shape.