Chapter 2: Writing Basics: What Makes a Good Sentence? Google Classroom. Too many equally weighted phrases and clauses produce tiresome sentences. Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that describe other words and phrases. They frequently include an -ing word (gerund) and to + verb (infinitive) phrase near the start of a sentence. Example While driving to work, Jane witnessed a car accident on the highway. A participle is a verbal that is used as an adjective and most often ends in -ing or -ed. What Is a Dangling Modifier? The revision might look something like this: The phrase is now a complete introductory clause; it does not modify any other part of the sentence, so is not considered "dangling.". This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Being a first-year student, my professors do not accept Wikipedia as a credible source of information. Smiling, my sandwich will be made again, but next time I will add cheese. A modifier is a word or participial phrase that provides more information about something being discussed in the sentence. Yes! The adverb "carefully" is the modifier in this exampleit modifies the verb "proofread," giving important details about how the proofreading was conducted. played at the playground bought ice cream. REVISED: They failed the experiment, not having studied the lab manual carefully. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. Correct There are several effective ways to identify and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers. interested (in) (participle) Dangling modifiers arent the only type of misplaced modifier. The following three steps will help you quickly spot a dangling modifier: Look for an -ing modifier at the beginning of your sentence or another modifying phrase: Painting for three hours at night, the kitchen was finally finished by Maggie. , asked about the schools testing schedule. A participle is a verbal ending in -ing (present) or -ed, -en, -d, -t, -n, or -ne (past) that functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. Simple modifiers like only, almost, just, nearly, and barely often get used incorrectly because writers often stick them in the wrong place. But the purpose of an adjective is to describe a noun, and an adjective phrase ultimately describes a noun by providing a more vivid description than a single adjective can. lost the surfing championship, which included a scholarship to college. Dangling modifiers change the meaning of the sentence in an unintended way. Here are a few example sentences: are modifiers that add detail by describing the limits a noun, pronoun, or other subject in a sentence faces. Last Edited: 2013-01-07 12:05:23. Shop Twitter Home Piled up next to the bookshelf, I chose a romance novel. Dangling modifiers. REVISED: Relieved of your responsibilities at your job, you should be able to relax at home. A misplaced modifier is a modifier that is placed too far from the word or words it modifies. Modifiers, as their name implies, are words that modify. While driving to the veterinarians office, the dog nervously whined. With an angry snap of her fingers, she replaced Tommys Correct: As Jonas was walking home at night, the trees looked like spooky aliens. A dangling modifier is a type of misplaced modifier. Past participles end in -ed, -en, -d, -t, -n, or -ne as in the words asked, eaten, saved, dealt, seen, and gone. Here are a few examples: , I watched a squirrel cross the sidewalk. You might hear or read that adjective phrases describe adjectives, and this is true in a pedantic sensean adjective phrase does replace a single adjective by describing what that single adjective would communicate. Instead, the modifier is incorrectly attached to a different person or thing. I cut the sandwich in half with a knife turning on the radio. We glued together the vase we broke quietly. The first is Usage and Mechanics (including punctuation, grammar, usage, and sentence structure). How to pronounce passage: pas-ij. Correct Sentence? Take a look at these examples to see a variety of ways modifiers operate in sentences: Modifiers are words that modify their sentences meanings by adding details and clarifying facts or by differentiating between people, events, or objects. Copyright 1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. See APA 7, Section 4.23 for more explanation and examples. J'adore le marche ___________ Ville! his coat (direct object of action expressed in participle), The participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying cousin. Wanting to make a delicious sandwich, the mayonnaise was thickly spread. Which sentence contains a dangling modifier? Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that describe other words and phrases. (2016). Adjective phrases are phrases that function as adjectives, which means they describe nouns. How do you specify what somebody looks like? Having thus added the nounor person who did the actionthe writer corrected the sentence and fixed the error of the dangling modifier. Write one sentence that correctly combines the two sample sentences. The adjectival phrase tired after a long day at work is next to the word cat, not Mei like it should be. All rights reserved. These, too, are generally either adverbial or adjectival and can look like: Here are a few examples of modifier phrases in action: And here are some examples of modifier clauses working in sentences: Typically, modifiers are placed right beside the noun theyre modifying. Choose the word that is not related in meaning to the other words. . Ecstatic about his new Furthermore, they can be downright illogical. Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier? Sophie va aller ________ supermarche ce matin. Mr. Fernandez is teaching us about great world leaders. They can make a sentences meaning clearer, make a sentence more specific, or simply make it more engaging. A woman's body needs time to heal after a traumatic event such as childbirth, which can take many weeks. Did they previously live in bricks? For a quick refresher on how to fit these components together to build sentences, read our post on. Furthermore, misplaced modifiers can describe the wrong word or phrase, giving your reader the wrong impression and creating wild scenarios. Painting for three hours at night, Maggie finally finished the kitchen. Consider using more-specific words in your revision. We returned the wine to the waiter that was sour. She decided to buy the blue vintage Cadillac. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is separated from the word it describes, creating confusion and ambiguity. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is separated from the word it describes, creating confusion and ambiguity. In this case, purple is the misplaced modifier. The . Since the doer of the action expressed in the participle has not been clearly stated, the participial phrase is said to be a dangling modifier. Relieved of your responsibilities at your job, not having studied the lab manual carefully, Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students, Higher Order Concerns (HOCs) and Lower Order Concerns (LOCs), Dangling Modifiers and How To Correct Them, Overview of Two-Part (Phrasal) Verbs (Idioms), Comparing Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives. They can make a sentences meaning clearer, make a sentence more specific, or simply make it more engaging. REVISED: After reading the original study, I find the article unconvincing. 1) People know that taking tests is hard, but you will get better grades by studying. a. du b. la c. de la 2. Il y a des marches ________ Etats-Unis? Directions: Read the A word or phrase that modifies a term that is not explicitly expressed in the sentence is known as a dangling modifier. You have some unanswered questions. Photovoltaic cells convert light energy from the sun and store this energy in batteries for easy use. In this sentence, the intended target of the modifier, Jane, is missing. Purdue OWL is a registered trademark. Click the card to flip 1 / 10 Flashcards The mysterious woman walked toward the car holding an umbrella. This modifier placement makes it clear that "Dolger" is the one using astronavigation. The following sentence has an incorrect usage: "Having finished" is a participle expressing action, but the doer is not the TV set (the subject of the main clause): TV sets don't finish assignments. Removing (participle) After being thoroughly cooked, we enjoyed a delicious lobster dinner. They frequently include an -ing word (gerund) and to + verb (infinitive) phrase near the start of a sentence. Charlie spotted a stray puppy driving home from work. A dangling modifier occurs when the subject the modifier is supposed to describe is not the subject of the sentence. Correct: The patient with stomach pains was referred to the physician. and cried. Instead, they become stumped trying to figure out what the writer meant to say. A dangling modifier is a modifier that doesnt modify any specific word in the sentence. Walking in the dark, the picture fell off the wall. In the corrected sentence, the subject, John, appears immediately after the modifier phrase. With modifiers. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. kicked him to the surface where he gulped a much-needed breath of air. Another type is known as a. c) comes at the end of a sentence and is separated from the word it modifies. Sheila surprised Helen with the gift of a puppy whose birthday was on Sunday. Naturally, theyre often used as modifiers: Adverbial phrases are a lot like adjectival phrases in that theyre phrases that perform the same functions as adverbs. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce stress by simply staying active and allowing time to relax. 1. The warmhearted clown at the party was caring, but his performance was not very humorous. When a modifier is not modifying a specific word, we call it a dangling modifier. My mother asked me for two weeks to visit the family cottage. Change the phrase that dangles into a complete introductory clause by naming the doer of the action in that clause: Who didn't know his name? Which one of these options completes the sentence in a way that makes the most sense? Scrubbing the tile grout with bleach and an old toothbrush, the mildew stains began to fade. a. du b. au c. de la 3. A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a concept. cat surprised us by accepting the new kitten. Since a person must be doing the carrying for the sentence to make sense, a noun or pronoun that refers to a person must be in the place immediately after the participial phrase, as in the second sentence. Try these two tests: Turn your sentences into yes/no questions. Oxford University Press. Est-ce qu'il ya une boulangerie __________ centre commercial? Hanging on a fencepost in a field, I saw a pair of boots. Do you really want to submit? The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. Living in southern Ontario, her condominium was affected by the recent power shortages. (a) After the dogs had obedience training, the brothers let them play in the park. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that clarifies or describes another word, phrase, or clause. 2) He uses these techniques at the same time. Crawling across the floor, the baby knocked over the blocks. Arriving early to class, Leslie had time to finish her homework. Then decide whether the sentence is correct or contains a misplaced or dangling modifier. Which of the following sentences contains a dangling modifier? Saying One day without realizing it. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below. To raise a good dog, patience is useful. A dangling modifier (or simply a dangler) is a word, phrase, or clause that describes something that has been left out of the sentence. Usually, this means right before or after the noun: This is also true when theyre modifying a verb or adjective: When a modifier isnt in this position, it can make the sentence confusing for a reader or listener. The passage continues claiming . Fowlers dictionary of modern English usage(4th ed.). After Tommy bemoaned his ineptitude on a surfboard, Marina Have a human editor polish your writing to ensure your arguments are judged on merit, not grammar errors. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word it modifies / describes. Divide passage into syllables: pas-sage. How do you communicate where, when, or how something happened? Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students, Comparing Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives. Directions: Read the sentence below. Moving to Montreal has been a difficult experience because I left my father at home, who is a recent widower. Which sentences combine the ideas correctly? Incorrect: Riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by rapidly. Misplaced modifiers describe a word or phrase that is in the sentence, but in the wrong place. Then decide whether or not it contains a misplaced or dangling modifier. Incorrect: To win the spelling bee, Luis and Gerard should join our team. A dangling modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes something that has been left out of the sentence. After identifying the dangling modifier, rewrite the sentence. This website collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have contributed those ideas in their capacities as faculty-mentored student scholars. Turn your sentences into tag questions (sentences that end with a questioning phrase at the very endlook at our examples below). Every year, the conference gathers together the region's top experts on water protection and pollution, which is hosted by the local conservation authority. Learn how to correct misplaced and dangling modifiers. Modifiers include descriptive words such as adjectives and adverbs: She always listened attentively in class. I bought a fresh loaf of bread for my sandwich shopping in the grocery store. Incorrect: The patient was referred to the physician with stomach pains. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Problem. Luo, A. My uncle had to see a doctor with indigestion. Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. Like the name suggests, dangling modifiers are also incorrectly used modifiers. How do you communicate where, when, or how something happened? When writing a proposal, an original task is set for research. Bent over backward, the posture was very challenging. In the incorrect sentence, it seems that the brothers name is. This modifier placement makes it clear that the "civilization" used astronavigation. Refusing This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. To raise a good dog, patience is useful. To revise, decide who was trying to introduce him. ACT English tests two broad content areas. Check our our FAQ. After finishing the team's presentation at the board meeting, the president complimented us. For example, in the following sentence, the word "burger" is modified by the word "vegetarian": Example: I'm going to the Saturn Caf for a vegetarian burger. In this sentence, it is Jill. Looking around the aisle of my local drugstore, I was amazed by the varieties of cosmetics that are available today. This will make your readers either laugh or scratch their heads, neither of . What is a dangling modifier? Now the subject in the sentence I matches the modifier after consulting a selection of current publications., Now the modifier according to the selection of current publications matches the subject research.. (Ed.). Crawling across the floor, the blocks fell over. Note for Purdue Students: Schedule a consultation at the on-campus writing lab to get more in-depth writing help from one of our tutors. Of course, the writer is referring to the helmet, not to the persons head. dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. the tears hit the waves and attracted Marina, a beautiful mermaid. scrambling endangered sea turtle eggs for breakfast, an apology had to be See this page on varying sentence structure for more information. La caissiere ___________ supermarche est tres sympa. Which of the following sentences has a misplaced modifier? The materials collected here do not express the views of, or positions held by, Purdue University. With that out of the way, take a look at these examples of adjective phrases working as modifiers: Adjective clauses can work as modifiers too. A writers goal must always be to communicate clearly and to avoid distracting the reader with strange sentences or awkward sentence constructions. | Examples & How to Eliminate. Packing for a trip, a cockroach scurried down the hallway. In the second, did they run out of bricks?
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