Dangling Modifiers
A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that is not clearly stated in the sentence. The modifier clarifies a subject or thought in the sentence.
Example #1:
- Incorrect: “Having examined the research, it was declared the vaccine helped.”
- The action: having examined the research does not have the “doer” next to it, making it unclear.
- Correct: “Having examined the research, scientists declared the vaccine helped.”
- The action: having examined the research is followed by the “doer:” scientists
Example #2:
- Incorrect: “Looking at the textbook, it was clear the lesson was difficult.”
- The action: looking at the textbook does not have the “doer” next to it.
- Correct: “Looking at the textbook, the students knew the lesson was difficult.”
- The action: looking at the textbook, is followed by the “doer:” students
