1. Putting Misplaced and
Dangling Modifiers
In
Their
Place

2. Misplaced Modifiers
• A misplaced modifier is a modifier that is
incorrectly separated from the word or words
that it describes.
• Misplaced modifiers seem to describe words
that the author did not intend them to
describe.
• When modifiers are misplaced, the reader may
misunderstand the sentence.
• Generally, the solution is to place the modifier
as close as possible to the word or words it
describes.

3. Misplaced Modifiers
• Misplaced modifier:
Sam bought a used car from a local dealer with
a smoky tailpipe.
• Corrected version:
Sam bought a used car with a smoky tailpipe from
a local dealer.

4. Misplaced Modifiers
• Misplaced modifier:
The robin built a nest at the back of our house of
grass and string.
• Corrected version:
The robin built a nest of grass and string at the back
of our house.

5. Misplaced Modifiers
• Misplaced modifier:
Christie almost sneezed fifteen times last evening.
• Corrected version:
Christie sneezed almost fifteen times last evening.

6. Dangling Modifiers
• A modifier that starts a sentence must be
followed right away by the word that it
describes. Otherwise, the modifier is said to
be dangling, and the sentence takes on an
unintended meaning.

7. Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Sitting in the dentist’s chair, the sound of
the drill made Larry sweat.
• Corrected version:
As Larry was sitting in the dentist’s chair,
the sound of the drill made him sweat.

8. Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Sitting in the dentist’s chair, the sound of the
drill made Larry sweat.
• Corrected version:
Sitting in the dentist’s chair, Larry sweated at the sound
of the drill.

9. Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Soaring through the sky, Brenda watched the high-
powered jet.
• Corrected version:
Brenda watched the high-powered jet soaring through
the sky.

10. Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Soaring through the sky, Brenda watched the high-
powered jet.
• Corrected version:
Brenda watched the high-powered jet soaring through
the sky.

11. Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
While taking a shower, the doorbell rang.
• Corrected version:
While I was taking a shower, the doorbell rang.
While taking a shower, I heard the doorbell ring.

12. Dangling Modifiers
• Dangling modifier:
Soaring through the sky, Brenda watched the high-
powered jet.
• Corrected version:
Brenda watched the high-powered jet soaring through
the sky.

13. Now for some practice…
Go to the following website for some interactive exercises:
• www.webster.commnet.edu/grammar/quiz_list.htm
Scroll down to the heading “Structural Flaws” and
do the exercises called “Modifier Placement” and
“Modifier Placement II”.