Misplaced / Dangling Modifiers
When we begin a sentence with a modifying word, phrase, or clause, we must make sure the modifier does not modify the wrong word. When a modifier improperly modifies something, it is called a "dangling modifier."
1. Changing the oil
every 3,000 miles, there is an easy way to keep your car running smoothly. (wrong)
The phrase improperly modifies 'an easy way".
1. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles, I find it an easy way to keep my car
running smoothly. (correct) OR
If we change the oil every 3,000 miles, we can keep our car running smoothly.
(correct)
2. Changing the oil
every 3,000 miles, the car was kept in excellent condition. (wrong)
The real actor of the phrase is not 'the car'.
2. Changing the oil every 3,000 miles, we kept the car in excellent condition.
(correct)
3. To keep students
interested in learning English, an English programme was set up. (wrong)
The infinitive phrase should probably modify the person
who set up the programme.
3. To keep students interested in learning English, Mr. Chan set up an English
programme. (correct)
4. Although nearly
finished, we left the play early because we were worried about our sick cat.
(wrong)
The clause ``Although nearly finished'' illogically modifies
``we,'' the pronoun directly following the clause. An easy way to rectify the
problem is to re-insert the subject and verb that are understood in the first
clause:
4. Although the play was nearly finished, we left early because we were worried
about our sick cat. (correct)
Quiz