Grammar: Sentence Structure
B2 Lesson 7: Correcting Misplaced & Dangling Modifiers
Why It Matters: Avoiding Confusion
A modifier is a word or phrase that describes something. Placing it in the wrong spot can create a confusing or unintentionally funny sentence.
The man sold a motorbike to his friend with a broken headlight.
(This sounds like the friend has a broken headlight!)
The man sold a motorbike with a broken headlight to his friend.
(Now it's clear the motorbike has the broken headlight.)
The Grammar Rules 📖
Rule 1: Misplaced Modifiers
A misplaced modifier is a descriptive phrase that is in the wrong place.
The Fix: Place modifiers as close as possible to the word they are describing.
Rule 2: Dangling Modifiers
A dangling modifier is a descriptive phrase where the thing being described is missing from the sentence.
Incorrect: "Riding the Bamboo Train, the countryside was beautiful."
(This sounds like the countryside was riding the train!)
The Fix (Option 1): Add the correct subject after the phrase.
"Riding the Bamboo Train, we saw the beautiful countryside."
The Fix (Option 2): Turn the phrase into a full clause.
"While we were riding the Bamboo Train, the countryside was beautiful."
Grammar Toolkit 🛠️
Modifier Checklist
When you edit your writing, ask these questions:
- Is every descriptive phrase right next to the word it describes?
- For phrases at the start of a sentence (e.g., "Hoping for a good price,..."), is the subject doing the action right after the comma?
- Have I read my sentences aloud to check for any funny or confusing meanings?
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Quiz: Spot the Error!
- Sentence: "Covered in delicious coconut sauce, the tourists enjoyed the fish amok."
Problem: Misplaced Modifier. It sounds like the tourists were covered in sauce.
Correction: The tourists enjoyed the fish amok, which was covered in delicious coconut sauce. - Which sentence is correct?
a) After waiting for an hour, the bus finally arrived.
b) After I waited for an hour, the bus finally arrived.
Answer: b. Sentence 'a' has a dangling modifier (it sounds like the bus was waiting).
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Writing Task: Fix the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences to correct the misplaced or dangling modifiers.
- While riding my moto, a dog ran out in front of me.
- The woman sold the watch to her friend with a dead battery.
- To improve his English, many books were read.
Show Answers
- While I was riding my moto, a dog ran out in front of me.
- The woman sold the watch with a dead battery to her friend.
- To improve his English, he read many books.
Key Vocabulary
- Modifier A word or phrase that describes or provides more information about another word.
- Misplaced Modifier A modifier that is in the wrong place, creating a confusing or funny meaning.
- Dangling Modifier A modifier where the word it is supposed to describe is missing from the sentence.
- Clarity The quality of being easy to understand.