A dangling modifier can be a phrase or clause which describes or modifies someone or something not clearly stated in the sentence. Though we can correct a misplaced modifier by moving it in different parts of a sentence, we cannot do this for correcting a dangling modifier. Here, we need to present a clear subject the modifier is supposed to modify. For example, "beautiful" cannot be a modifier unless we come to know what is beautiful. If we cannot find out what is being modified in the sentence, the modifier is dangling.
We can use a
dangling modifier at the beginning or end of a sentence, but in most cases, we use a dangling modifier at the beginning of the sentence.
Examples
- After finishing the work, the game began.
- After finishing the work, we started
our game.
The first example does not tell us who has finished the work. The second example has made it clear that “we” have finished the work.
- Ø Having gone to Khulna, beautiful
natural sceneries were enjoyed.
- Ø Having gone to Sundarban, I/we/they enjoyed beautiful natural scenery.
Here, in the first example, we do not know who had gone to Sundarban. The
information about who had gone to Khulna has been given by the second sentence.
Ø Doing the
work seriously, a handsome salary was given.
Who worked seriously? The example does not give this answer. You can
write the example in the following way to get rid of a dangling modifier:
- Ø Doing the
work seriously, they receive a handsome salary.