9th Literature Language Practice # 8

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

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A MISPLACED MODIFIER is a word, phrase, or clause that is incorrectly placed in a sentence. Because of
this, it modifies a word or phrase other than the one it is intended to modify.

To correct a misplaced modifier, move it as close as possible to the word it is meant to modify, or change
words in the sentence to clarify the meaning.
Misplaced: We fed bread crumbs to the pigeons that were stale.
Think: This sentence reads as if the pigeons were stale, not the bread crumbs.
Fix: We fed stale bread crumbs to the pigeons. OR We fed bread crumbs, which were stale, to the pigeons.

To correct errors commonly made with the placement of the modifying adverb only, place only directly
before or after the word it modifies.
Misplaced: The building will only have twenty floors when completed.
Think: This sentence implies that the building will have nothing other than twenty floorsno ceilings,
windows, or offices.
Fix: The building will have only twenty floors when completed.
A DANGLING MODIFIER is a word, phrase, or clause that doesnt clearly and logically modify any word or
group of words in the sentence. Dangling modifiers can make the meanings of sentences ambiguous and can
confuse readers.
To correct a dangling modifier, reword the sentence to add a word or words that the modifier can modify.
Dangling: While hiking on the trail, pebbles got into our boots.
Think: This sentence reads as if pebbles were doing the hiking.
Fix: While we were hiking on the trail, pebbles got into our boots.
Dangling: To comprehend events today, a grasp of world history is essential.
Think: To whom is a grasp world history essential?
Fix: To comprehend events today, one must have a grasp of world history.
Try it: Rewrite the sentences to eliminate misplaced or dangling modifiers.
1. Passing over the city, the child saw jets in formation. The child saw jets in formation passing over
the city.
2. Ivan donated his motorcycle to shop class which no longer ran well. Ivan donated to shop class his
motorcycle which no longer ran well.
3. Alone in the house late at night, the lightening scared her. Because she was alone in the house late at
night, the lightening scared her.
4. Mike only eats vegetables and fish. Mike eats only vegetables and fish.
5. Planning to take a snooze, my shoes were kicked onto the floor. Planning to take a snooze, I kicked
my shoes onto the floor.
Identify the sentence error. If an underlined word or phrase contains a grammatical error, choose the part that
must be changed to correct the sentence.
6. The weary(A) politician approached(B) the podium(C) with a long face(D). No error(E).
7. Shipwrecked(A) on a desert island, coconuts and other(B) fruits formed(C) the basis of
the sailors(D) diet. No error(E).

8. Waiting(A) for the results of(B) the final examination, the student's nerves were(C) on edge; she could
not sleep properly or(D) eat normally. No error(E).
9. Safety precautions and emergency exits, matters of great concern for(A) builders of commercial
establishments, are(B) often overlooked(C) when designing(D) a new home. No error(E).
10. The company president has taken(A) steps to ensure that she(B)can handle the pressure and
anxiety associated with(C) the job, including(D) joining a yoga class and enlisting the support of a
network of friends. No error(E).
11. Steve(A) has two cats (B) and one dog(C) who likes playing baseball(D). No error(E).
12. Was the woman who(A) you think you saw(B) leaving the building
wearing(C) a nurse's(D) uniform? No error(E).
Improve the sentence. Select the answer choice that best expresses the meaning of the underlined portion of
the original sentence.
13. The jacket was given to the winning golfer that was made of green wool.
A. The jacket was given to the winning golfer that was made of green wool.
B. The jacket that was made of green wool was given to the winning golfer.
C. The jacket is given to the winning golfer made of green wool.
D. The jacket was given to the winning golfer made of green wool.
E. Made of green wool, the winning golfer was given a jacket.
14. Trying to keep her balance on the icy surface, the last competitor's ski-tip caught the pole and
somersaulted into the soft snow.
A. the last competitor's ski-tip caught the pole and somersaulted into the soft snow.
B. the ski-tip of the last competitor caught the pole and somersaulted in the soft snow.
C. the last competitor caught the pole with the tip of her ski, and somersaulted into the soft snow.
D. the last competitor caught the pole with her ski-tip, which made her somersault into the soft
snow.
E. the last competitor somersaulted into the soft snow when the tip of her ski was caught by the pole.
15. After working for two hours, the essay started to take shape, and he began to hope that he might finish
before the deadline.
A. After working for two hours, the essay started to take shape, and he began to hope
B. When the essay started to take shape after he had worked on it for two hours, he began to
hope
C. When the essay started to take shape after he had worked on it for two hours, he begun to hope
D. When the essay started to take shape after working on it for two hours, he began to hope
E. After working for two hours, the student's essay started to take shape, and he began to hope
In each of the following exercises, (1) use at least one current vocabulary word per sentence; (2) relate
each sentence to our current unit of study; (3) use proper punctuation.
16. Write a complex sentence that appropriately uses a clause beginning with that or who.
17. Write a simple sentence that appropriately uses a participle phrase at the beginning.
18. Write a compound sentence that begins with an infinitive phrase.
19. Write a complex sentence that appropriately uses the modifier only.