RULES OF THUMB FOR DANGLING AND MISPLACED MODIFIERS

1. RULES OF THUMB FOR DANGLING AND MISPLACED MODIFIERS Ms. Simmons December ‘11 Created by April Turner

2. Dangling Modifiers • are words or phrases which “dangle” because they have no word in the sentence to describe: • While taking a shower, the doorbell rang. • The doorbell was taking a shower?

3. Revise dangling modifiers • by adding a headword—a noun or pronoun that is described: • While Iwas taking a shower, the doorbell rang. • OR • While taking a shower, I heard the doorbell ring.

4. A Misplaced Modifier • is placed too close to some other word that it does not intend to modify: • I only speak one language. • All you ever do is speak one language?

5. Revise misplaced modifiers • by placing the modifier next to its headword: • I speak only one language.

6. Split Infinitives • are misplaced modifiers which are placed between the preposition to and the verb in an infinitive--a grammatical unit consisting of the word to plus a verb (to eat, to sleep, etc.): • Dentists encourage children to regularly brush their teeth. • The modifier regularly is splitting the infinitive to brush.

7. Revise split infinitives • by moving the modifier to another part of the sentence: • Dentists encourage children to brush their teeth regularly.

8. Squinting Modifiers • are misplaced modifiers which seem to modify two words: • Patty who was walking quickly reached the club. • Is Patty walking quickly, or is she quickly reaching the club?

9. Revise squinting modifiers • by changing the word order so there is no ambiguity: • Patty, who was quickly walking, reached the club. • OR • Patty who was walking reached the club quickly.

10. LET’S PRACTICE!!! • Having encountered this problem many times before, the flat tire was easy for me to fix. • Having encountered this problem many times before, I could fix the flat tire easily. • I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. • I have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.