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What Is a Dangling Modifier? (with Examples)
A dangling modifier is a modifier that has nothing to modify. Remember, modifiers describe a word or make its meaning more specific. A dangling modifier is an error caused by failing to use the word that the modifier is meant to be describing.Examples of Dangling Modifiers
Here is an example of a dangling modifier (shaded):- Having read your letter, my cat will stay indoors until the ducklings fly off.
- Having read your letter, we will keep our cat indoors until the ducklings fly off.
Here is another example of a dangling modifier (shaded):
- Meticulous and punctual, David's work ethic is admirable.
- Meticulous and punctual, David has an admirable work ethic.
Here is another example of a dangling modifier (shaded):
- Having seen Blackpool Tower, the Eiffel Tower is more impressive.
- Having seen Blackpool Tower, she thinks the Eiffel Tower is more impressive.
A Dangling Modifier As a Misplaced Modifier
Sometimes, a modifier can dangle a bit. This happens when the word being modified is present but is not next to its modifier. Look at this example:- Vicious smelly creatures with huge tusks, the ship's crew found it difficult to drive the male walruses from the beach.
This is a correct version:
- Vicious smelly creatures with huge tusks, the male walruses were difficult for the ship's crew to drive from the beach.