Dangling Modifiers

Modifying words and phrases should be as close as possible to words they modify.

    I only have two dollars.
    I have only two dollars.

    The man likes the woman from Florida.

    The man from Florida likes the woman.


    The dog belongs to Jerry that bit my son.
    The dog that bit my son belongs to Jerry.

    I saw a UFO looking out my window.
    Looking out my window, I saw a UFO.

    		(Better)


    (The woman is from Florida.)
    (The man is from Florida.)

    (Wrong)
    (Correct)

    (Wrong)
    (Correct)


Be aware that introductory phrases imply that the main subject is the doer of the action.

While taking a shower, my aunt called.
While I was taking a shower, my aunt called.

(My aunt called from the shower.)
(I was in the shower when she called.)

See also: Introductory Phrases

Audio - Click to Play
Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Related Grammar Topics

Grammar Exercises

More Grammar Topics

Statistics

We have 33 guests online
 News: 435
 Visitors: 629333
Comments (1)Add Comment
boring...sucks
written by jomar angeles, January 29, 2010
it doesn't make any sense at all

Write comment
quote
bold
italicize
underline
strike
url
image
quote
quote
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley
Smiley

security code
Write the displayed characters


busy
 
< Prev   Next >