Using phrases correctly

Misplaced & Dangling Modifiers

+These are all over your writing and all over the ACT, so pay attention+

Definitions

• Misplaced modifier: a modifier that is placed so far away from the word it modifies that the intended meaning of the sentence is unclear and perhaps even humorous. – After getting lost, the owner finally found the puppy.

• After getting lost, the puppy was finally found by his owner.

• The owner finally found the puppy after he was lost.

• Dangling modifier: a modifier that does not clearly modify any noun or pronoun in a sentence– Carefully turning the pages, this book was sure to be a thriller.

• Carefully turning the pages, Samson knew this book was sure to be a thriller.

Examples • When we opened the leather woman's purse, we found the missing

keys.

• When we opened the woman’s leather purse, we found the missing keys.

• The striking Honda's paint job made everyone gasp.

• The Honda’s striking paint job made everyone gasp.

• After assaulting several bystanders, the police captured the criminal.

• After assaulting several bystanders, the criminal was captured by the police.

• Once filled with ink, you can write for hours before the pen runs dry.

• Once filled with ink, the pen can be used for hours before it runs dry.

• Driving up the long, tree lined driveway, the mansion loomed above us.

• Driving up the long, tree lined driveway, we saw the mansion looming above us.