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Dangling Modifiers

The document discusses dangling modifiers, which occur when the subject of the main clause is not the doer of the action in the introductory phrase. This can create logical inconsistencies. The document provides examples of sentences with dangling modifiers and revisions that identify the doer. It also offers tips for avoiding dangling modifiers such as naming the doer in the introductory clause or changing the phrase into a complete introductory clause. Common errors are identified, such as having an object rather than a person or thing be the subject performing the introductory action.

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MsHowayda
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190 views

Dangling Modifiers

The document discusses dangling modifiers, which occur when the subject of the main clause is not the doer of the action in the introductory phrase. This can create logical inconsistencies. The document provides examples of sentences with dangling modifiers and revisions that identify the doer. It also offers tips for avoiding dangling modifiers such as naming the doer in the introductory clause or changing the phrase into a complete introductory clause. Common errors are identified, such as having an object rather than a person or thing be the subject performing the introductory action.

Uploaded by

MsHowayda
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Dangling Modifiers

Consider this sentence:

Having finished the assignment, Jill turned on the TV.

"Having finished" states an action but does not name the doer of that action.

In English sentences, the doer must be the subject of the main clause that follows. In this sentence, it is Jill. She seems logically to be the one doing the action ("having finished"), and this sentence therefore does not have a dangling modifier.

Now consider this sentence:

Having finished the assignment, the TV was turned on.

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. Since the doer of the action expressed in the participle has not been clearly stated, the participial phrase is said to be a dangling modifier.

Examples of dangling modifiers and revisions:


with dangling modifier:

After reading the original study, the article remains convincing.

possible revisions:

After reading the original study, I find the article unconvincing.

with dangling modifier:

Relieved of our responsibilities at your job, your home should be a place to relax.

possible revision:

Relieved of your responsibilities at your job, you should be able to relax at home.

2. Change the phrase that dangles into a complete introductory clause by naming the doer of the action in that clause:

Without knowing his name, it was difficult to introduce him.


(Who didn't know his name? This sentence says that "it" didn't know his name. To revise, decide who was trying to introduce him. )

Confusion Changing the oil every 3,000 miles, the car seemed to run better.
Repair Work Changing the oil every 3,000 miles, Fred found he could get much better gas mileage.

Confusion Changing the oil every 3,000 miles, the car was kept in excellent condition. Repair Work Changing the oil every 3,000 miles, we kept the car in excellent condition.

Confusion To keep the young recruits interested in getting in shape, an exercise program was set up for the summer months.
Repair Work To keep the young recruits interested in getting in shape, the coaching staff set up an exercise program for the summer months.

Ready for drills?

I hope you learn something new

Examples:
Incorrect: More beautiful than any human being, the explorer noticed the mermaid. Correct: The explorer noticed the mermaid, which was more beautiful than any human being.

Examples:
Incorrect: Moaning in haunting voices, the house contained many ghosts. Correct: Moaning in haunting voices, the ghosts roamed the house

Examples:
Incorrect: While reading the novel, the pages that contain important information should be marked. Correct: While reading the novel, you should mark the pages that contain important information.

Example:
Incorrect: To improve his essay, each page was proofread. Correct: To improve his essay, David proofread each page.

Self Test:
What is wrong with the following sentences?

1. Changing

the oil every 3,000 miles, the car seemed to run better.

2. Bright and full of flowers, Jenny entered the meadow.

3. With three minutes to write, the exam was nearly finished.

4. Careful not to make a tear, the delicate paper was wrapped around the gift.

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