Misplaced and Dangling Modifier Errors
A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a word.
A misplaced modifier is a modifying word or phrase that is attached to a word different from the one the writer intended. Thus, the sentence is unclear or ambiguous. Misplaced modifiers are easily eliminated by placing modifying words and phrases as closely as possible to the word that they modify.
Example of a misplaced modifier: I observed the counseling session watching through the one-way mirror. (Presumably, I mean that I was watching through the one-way mirror, but the placement of "through the one-way mirror" makes it sound as though the counseling session was watching through the one way mirror.)
Example of a correctly placed modifier: I, watching through the one way mirror, observed the counseling session.
Dangling modifiers "have no referent in the sentence." Dangling modifiers are often a result of writing in passive voice; they can be avoided by writing in active voice.
Example of a dangling modifier: After reading the psychological report, the diagnosis was unclear. (Diagnosis is the subject of the main clause; thus, the sentence currently implies that the diagnosis read the psychological report. That is, "After reading the psychological report" modifies "diagnosis.")
Example of correctly placed modifier:
After reading the psychological report, I found the diagnosis unclear.
Check Your Understanding Activity
Directions:
Decide if these sentences have a dangling modifier, misplaced modifier, or a correctly placed modifier.
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Click the card deck to view a card. Drag the card from the bottom to the correct category. |
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Tip: Limiting modifiers (e.g. only, almost, just, merely, simply, even) are other types of modifiers that students often misuse. Limiting modifiers can confuse readers. Consider, for example, the following two sentences: (a) People who use drugs frequently suffer health problems and develop addictions and (b) People who frequently use drugs suffer health problems and develop addictions. What is actuallly meant? Which is clearer? Read more about the use of modifiers in section 3.21 pp. 81-83 of the Publication Manual.
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