Bermillo, Karl Marx M.

ITBC

ZEN 112

Dangling modifiers - A dangling modifier is an ambiguous grammatical construct,

whereby a grammatical modifier could be misinterpreted as being associated with a
word other than the one intended or with no particular word at all.
Correct:
-Hoping to garner favor, my new boyfriend brought my parents a gift that sadly
unimpressed them.
-Hoping to excuse my lateness, I wrote a note and gave it to my teacher.
-After reading the great new book, Anna thought the movie based on it was sure to
be exciting.
-Having arrived late for practice, the team captain needed a written excuse.
-Because Maria did not know his name, it was difficult to introduce him.
Incorrect:
-Hoping to garner favor, my parents were sadly unimpressed with the gift.
-Hoping to excuse my lateness, the note was written and given to my teacher.
-After reading the great new book, the movie based on it is sure to be exciting
-Having arrived late for practice, a written excuse was needed.
-Without knowing his name, it was difficult to introduce him.
Misplaced modifiers - A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is
improperly separated from the word it modifies / describes. Because of the
separation, sentences with this error often sound awkward, ridiculous, or confusing.
Correct:
-Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary picked up and admired her presents many
times throughout the day.
-Tired of all of the nights in hotels, Mitch was delighted when his boss finally said he
didn't have to travel anymore.
-She served the children sandwiches on paper plates.
-He drove the car for nearly six hours a day.
-On the way to the store, she saw a puppy and a kitten.
Incorrect:
-Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary's presents were all picked up and admired by
Mary many times throughout the course of the day.
-Tired of all of the nights in hotels, Mitch's delight was felt by Mitch when his boss
finally said he didn't have to travel anymore.
-She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates.
-She saw a puppy and a kitten on the way to the store.
-He nearly drove the car for six hours a day.