Dangling Modifiers


Rule: Avoid ambiguous sentence constructions in which a modifying phrase applies to the wrong word or to no word at all.

  • Correct Example: Lying on her back, the child notices a bunny in the clouds. (“Lying on her back” appropriately modifies “the child,” but if it was supposed to modify "the bunny," it would be a dangling modifier.)
  • Incorrect Example: As a professional, a tie makes or breaks your interview outfit. (“As a professional” should be modifying the implied subject "you," but as written, it technically modifies "tie."


Misplaced Modifiers


Rule: Do not separate modifying words or phrases (i.e. adjectives, adverbs, phrases or “that” clauses) from the word(s) they are intended to modify.

  • Correct Example: The dog called Jack has a good home. (“Called Jack” correctly modifies “dog.”)
  • Incorrect Example: The parents give a kitten to their daughter named Fluffy. (Is the kitten’s name Fluffy, or the daughter’s?)

  • Correct Example: You failed to meet almost every deadline. (You failed to meet the majority of the deadlines.)
  • Incorrect Example: You almost failed to meet every deadline. (You came close to missing every deadline.)