JonathanNaylor 
Language can be tricky, and a minor error can change the entire meaning of a sentence. Similarly, there are modifiers in the English language. A modifier alters, restricts or provides further information about anything else in a phrase or a sentence. According to the grammar rule, a modifier either comes right before the word it is modifying or after it. But, what is a dangling modifier? How to identify them in your assignments and correct them? Keep reading, and we will answer all your queries about a dangling modifier in this article.
What Is A Dangling Modifier?
The term “dangling” refers to something that has no stable anchoring. The word modifier, on the other hand, denotes grammatical alterations. As a result, sentences with loose endings or unidentified subjects are classified as dangling modifiers. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase in a sentence that does not modify the word that it has to modify. It happens when the modifier’s original subject is absent from the sentence and is replaced by another subject. It is a grammatical error that changes the entire meaning of the sentence.
What Is An Example Of A Dangling Modifier?
There are multiple examples of dangling modifiers. Some of the common examples are the following:
Present Participle Phrases
When you write a present participle phrase with no subject after, it becomes a case of a dangling modifier. It is because the meaning becomes unclear to the reader.
Past Participle Phrases
Dangling modifier errors are frequent in sentences written in passive voice and past participle phrases. You will have to rewrite the entire sentence to omit the error.
What Is An Example Of A Modifier In A Sentence?
Present Participle Examples
“Having finished the work, the washing machine was turned on.”
In this example, there is a dangling modifier. The phrase having finished the assignment does not appear to be modifying the subject.
Correct Form: Having finished the work, she turned on the washing machine.
Let’s look at some more examples to clarify the concept
Past Participle Examples
“Driving like a lunatic, a dog was hit and killed.”
In the example mentioned above, it is unclear who the subject is.
Corrected Form: Driving like a lunatic, Billy hit a dog
Now, it is clear here that Billy was the one who was driving, and he hit the dog.
Prepositional Phrases
Writers often use prepositions at the start of their sentences. But, some writers incorrectly use modifiers while writing prepositional phrases. For example:
- After finishing the book, the television was turned on
In the sentence mentioned above, it is unclear who turned on the television.
- After finishing the book, she turned on the television
How Do You Identify A Dangling Modifier?
You can identify dangling modifiers in your writing while proofreading and editing even by hiring assignment writing services UK. As a general rule, you need to do the following things:
- Review each sentence
- Look for an opening word before the main clause’s subject in each sentence.
- Identify what the introductory word or phrase is modifying
- If the sentence has an opening phrase, consider what the noun it intends to modify is.
- Examine the first word or phrase after the comma to check if it corresponds to the phrase that the introductory word or phrase has to modify
Here are a few tips for identifying dangling modifiers in your assignments:
A correct sentence has a subject which is a doer of an action. If there is an introductory phrase, it should modify the subject. The subject comes after the modifying phrase and after a comma. For example:
- While going home, Joe witnessed a street fight on the road.
In the sentence mentioned above, the introductory phrase “while going home” modifies the subject, Joe. Joe is the subject of the main clause and comes after the comma.
But when we write the main clause in passive voice, it creates an error of dangling modifier. For example:
While going home, a street fight was witnessed on the road
There is no clear subject in the example mentioned above, and the reader will be confused while reading it. The intended subject of the modifying phrase” while going home” is missing. It is a confusing sentence with a grammatical error.
How To Fix The Error Of Dangling Modifiers In Your Assignments?
You can fix the errors in the following manner:
Rule 1: Make changes in the main clause
You can revise the main clause and include a subject in it. The introductory phrase then will modify the main clause. For example:
Example 1
Incorrect: “Having injured his knee, it was difficult to play football.”
Correct Form: Having injured his knee, Michael had difficulty playing football
In the example mentioned above, the subject is unclear because “it” does not clarify who the subject is. In the second sentence, John is the subject and follows the modifying phrase and comma.
Example 2
Incorrect: “To become a successful lawyer, many cases must be settled and solved”.
Correct Form: To become a successful lawyer, you must settle and solve many cases
Rule 2: Make changes in the modifying phrase
You can also change the modifying phrase and include the subject in the beginning. There will be no need to make changes to the main clause. For example:
Example 1
Incorrect: “Having injured his knee, it was difficult to play football.”
Correct sentence: Because Michael had injured his knee, it was difficult to play football
In the example mentioned above, we changed the introductory phrase. There is a subject in the introductory phrase which clearly states who is acting.
Example 2
Incorrect: “While driving home, a street fight caused a roadblock.”
Correct sentence: While Michael was driving home, a street fight caused a roadblock
Conclusion
Dangling modifiers are frequent errors that can confuse the readers about the sentence’s meaning. So, it is essential to identify and fix them to bring clarity to your assignments. The tips mentioned above will help increase the readability and comprehension of your assignments.
