This lesson shows the definition of a modifier and a clause, as well as the difference between a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier. Grammar can be confusing at times, test yours below. Worksheets relating to misplaced and dangling modifiers. A dangling modifier can be fixed in a number of ways. All but one of the following sentences includes a dangling modifier. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the. For example, the big doesnt make sense without telling what is big which leaves big as a dangling modifier. Studying the unappetizing plate of food, all appetite was lost. The salesperson sold the shirt with the blue print to the man.
Misplacement of adverbs can sometimes change the meaning of a sentence. As you can see from the following examples, the sentences should be. Because of this separation, the meaning of the sentence is often awkward, ridiculous, illogical, or confusing. On his way to school, abraham found a yellow womans bag. The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. In these cases, the correct answer usually rewrites the sentence to eliminate the faulty modifier entirely, so its difficult to anticipate what the correct choice will be. Misplaced modifiers can alter the meaning of a sentence, and take away from a writers intended message. Aug 23, 2016 a modifying word or phrase dangles when it doesnt apply to the word its supposed to modify. Having arrived late for practice, a written excuse was needed. Grammargrounds grammar education is a free, comprehensive site with instruction, videos, quizzes, and more. Modifiers multiple choice questions or quiz or test choose the most suitable answer that identifies either dangling or misplaced modifier in the sentence. Misplaced and dangling modifiers towson university.
Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. Modifiers are words and phrases that basically modify a word or sentence. We can limit the applicability of this phrase by introducing various modifiers into it. Check your understanding of dangling modifiers with an interactive quiz and printable worksheet. Having learned french in just three months, paul was as happy as he could be. Some of the worksheets for this concept are dangling and misplaced modifiers, misplaced modifiers, 7 misplaced and dangling modifiers, grammar work misplaced and dangling participles, name date misplaced and dangling m e 1, misplaced modifiers, misplaced modifiers introductory project, name date misplaced modifiers. Showing top 8 worksheets in the category dangling modifiers with answer key.
Name the appropriate or logical doer of the action as the subject of the main clause. From who and whom to hyphens, from commas to plain language, from. Label whether the sentence is a misplaced modifier m, a dangling modifier d or correct. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though they can also appear at a sentences end. A modifier is considered dangling when the sentence isnt clear about what is being modified. Read each sentence, underlining the introductory modifier and doubleunderlining. Adding who threw the party corrects the problem of the dangling modifier. One sentence of each pair contains a dangling modifier. Unlike a misplaced modifier, a dangling modifier cannot be corrected by simply moving it to a different place in a sentence. The lesson shows the definition of a modifier and a clause, as well as the difference between a. Dangling modifiers with answer key worksheets teacher. Misplaced and dangling modifiers exercise 1 grammar bytes. A dangling modifier fails to refer logically to any word in the sentence.
When you are finished, click on the check my work button at the bottom of the page to view the correct answers. From who and whom to hyphens, from commas to plain language, from usage woes to grammar. Other terms for dangling modifier dangling modifiers are also known as hanging modifiers, floating modifiers, or dangling participles. Studying for her degree, there were times when she felt like giving up. A modifier a word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not logically modify any word in the sentence in which it appears. It is also called a dangling participle, hanging modifier, floater, floating modifier, or misrelated participle. Dangling modifiers worksheet draw one line under the dangling modifier in each of the following sentences. Toss all the sentences into the middle of the room. Change the dangling construction into a complete clause. Misplaced modifiers miniquiz students multitask everyday, indeed many times a day, students believe they are very adept at juggling two or three different activities while studying for a midterm. Thus, studying the unappetizing plate of food has no target to modify.
Swimming out into the lake, i felt the water grow cold. Unlike many other students, jim didnt have any problems with his teachers. Running consistently every day, the workouts steadily became easier. Pdf learning proper grammar and usage rules for the english language can be a. She drove across the desert with a lump in her throat. A dangling modifier is misplaced because it does not have anything to modify. The modifier should describe whoever gave the party, but no word in the sentence identifies the party giver. A dangling modifier is an introductory word groupparticiple, gerund, infinitive, or elliptical clausethat does not refer logically to the noun or pronoun that follows it. In other words, they seem to give a better understanding of a word or sentence. Dangling modifiers sentence errors the nature of writing. Unlike a misplaced modifier, a dangling modifier cannot be corrected by simply moving it. We assume that gilbert is the one studying the plate, but notice that he doesnt appear in the sentence. Questions about dangling modifiers only appear in the improving sentences section, but theyre very common.
View each sentence and see if you think there is a problem with either a dangling modifier or a misplaced modifer you may use your notes to help. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not logically modify any word in the sentence in. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that modifies a word not clearly. If you would like the answers to all the worksheets total of 20 different topics, along with tips on teaching or learning every topic, get the answers with teaching tips to every worksheet, a total of 208 pages of grammar, usage, and writing style exercises, with answers and. On his way to school, abraham found a womans yellow bag. Having learned spanish in just three months, the stay in mexico was a success. Disgusted by greasy cafeteria food, i brought a salad and an apple for. The best solution is to make sure that the right subject starts the main clause. Misplaced modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that are separated from the word they modify. Determine whether the sentences below contain misplaced or dangling modifiers. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase often a participle or participial phrase that doesnt actually modify the word its intended to modify. If one wishes to write effectively, practice is necessary. Dangling participles a dangling modifier is also called a dangling participle if it contains a present participle e.
Dangling and misplaced modifiers texas state university. Jun 21, 2019 a dangling modifier is a word or phrase often a participle or participial phrase that doesnt actually modify the word its intended to modify. Although most commonly found at the beginning of the sentence, the dangling modifier may be. Most modifiers are either adjectival these modify nouns or adverbial these modify verbs, adjectives and adverbs. The waitress served gilbert a plate of gray meatloaf sauced with lumpy gravy. Dangling modifiers make unclear the meaning of a sentence. The dangling modifiers are corrected by restructuring the sentence to clear the dangling confusion and to give a clear sense of the word being modified by the dangling modifier. It is also called a dangling participle, hanging modifier, floater, floating modifier, or misrelated. Parallel structure our mission is to provide a free, worldclass. Our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywhere. Practice sheet correct the following misplaced or squinting modifiers. A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a concept. Having arrived late for practice, a written excuse was. Displaying top 8 worksheets found for misplaced modifier.
This activity challenges students to identify dangling or misplaced modifiers in incorrect sentences and fix them. She got a job with macys after she left school which lasted for more than. This resource explains what a dangling modifier is and how to correct the problem. Jan 11, 2018 modifiers are words and phrases that basically modify a word or sentence. Dangling modifiers are usually introductory word groups such as verbal phrases that suggest but do not name an actor. Careful writers always seek to avoid the lack of clarity that a dangling modifier causes. The powerpoint provides several examples for mastery and later for students to identify. A modifier is a word or phrase which limits the meaning of another word. Worksheet 1 explains the concept of dangling and misplaced modifiers. Correcting dangling modifier errors replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written english.
A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is not clearly and logically related to the word or words it modifies or describes. Rolling down the hill, my eyes widened as the truck came into view. Rewrite each sentence, moving the misplaced modifier to its correct position. This sentence says that the written excuse arrived late. Written by editor and writer frances peck, these pieces take a thorough yet entertaining look at some of the most common errors, weaknesses and uncertainties that plague writers of english. In the following sentences, identify and correct the misplaced and dangling modifiers. Choose the correct sentence that does not contain a dangling modifier. A misplaced modifier does not link clearly to what it is meant to modify.
Almost all of the faulty modifiers questions on the sat deal with dangling modifiers, so well cover those first. This first half of this page has dangling modifier examples and exercises. Exercises on modifiers with explanation learn english. This is a practice quiz over problems with modifiers. In some cases, a dangling modifier refers to a word that doesnt even appear in the sentence. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is not clearly and logically related to the word or words it modifies i. Refer to discovery, 324327, for additional practice. Dangling and misplaced modifiers dangling modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that clarifies or describes another word, phrase, or clause. In the exercise that follows, you will need to determine whether or not sentences contain misplaced or dangling modifiers.
Watch out for the words only, just, merely, nearly, and almost. The word or words a dangling modifier should modify have been omitted from the sentence. Misplacedanddanglingmodifiers 1 misplaced and dangling modifiers a misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word or clause it modifies or describes. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, but they are found at the end of sentences too. English grammar exercise dangling modifiers 1 identifying. Rewrite the following sentences to repair any dangling modifiers. In a clear, logical sentence, you will find most modifiers right next to the words they describe. Once seated by a hostess, menus would be given to the guests. Use the reference sheet and activity to show middle schoolers how to edit confusing sentences with misplaced modifiers. Some of the worksheets displayed are 7 misplaced and dangling modifiers, dangling modifiers, name date misplaced and dangling m e 1, dangling modifiers work 1, misplaced modifiers, exercise on misplaced and dangling modifiers with, dangling and misplaced modifiers. Quia practice quiz dangling and misplaced modifiers. Click the link below to download the free pdf worksheet. Supply the noun or pronoun that it should modify and place the modifier next to the word.
If you need specific help for english grammar on the accuplacer, please scroll down to the second half of the page after doing the exercise. Consider including one example of a misplaced modifier and one example of a dangling modifier for each student as well. Nguyen returned her perfect calculus test with an eartoear grin. When you are finished, hit the check my work button at the bottom of the page to check your answers. Scrubbing the tile grout with bleach and an old toothbrush, the mildew stains began to fade. Dangling modifier examples practice accuplacer tests. Having finished the assignment, jill turned on the tv. Having misunderstood the assignment, i received a low grade on. Jul 01, 2015 you may also see dangling modifier questions presented with both the modifier and part, or all, of the main clause underlined, though this configuration is much less common. If the sentence fails to include a target, the modifier is dangling. Disgusted by greasy cafeteria food, my lunch consisted of a salad and an apple. Recognize the following types of dangling modifiers and their corrections.
Dangling modifiers cause the sentence to lack coherence. Dangling modifiers a dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that either modifies no word in the sentence or refers to the wrong word. Though he may well be able to learn while multitasking, it is not nearly as efficient as focusing only on studying. Misplaced modifiers a misplaced modifier is a modifying word, phrase, or clause that does not point clearly and directly to what it is supposed to modify. When a sentence opens with such a modifier, readers expect the following clause to name the actor. A dangling modifier is a type of misplaced modifier. Misplaced and dangling modifiers exercise 1 author. Pecks english pointers is a collection of lively articles spanning english grammar, punctuation, usage and clarity. Dangling modifiers and how to correct them purdue writing lab. Check your answers with the interactive version of the exercise. The modifier must follow the modified word in order to avoid misplacing. Recognize and correct the following kinds of misplacement. Worksheet 1 explains the concept of dangling and misplaced modifiers, including suggestions for correcting them.
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