Placement of Modifiers
Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
A. Revising Sentences by Correcting Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
The following sentences contain misplaced and dangling modifiers. Revise each sentence so that its meaning will be clear on first reading.
1. . . . robot with a square glass head and flashing red eyes to one. . . .
2. The chords . . . concert hall as the pianist pounded . . . all her might.
3. On the way . . . Wales, we saw a herd of sheep.
4. . . . in college, a student must spend a great . . . time studying.
5. Many people love fresh strawberries dipped in yogurt.
6. When I was only five years old, Dad took me camping. . . .
7. While I was trying. . . .
8. Elaine told Joanne that the drama gets more exciting after the first act.
9. If you put money aside regularly, your small savings account will grow steadily larger.
10. A tarantula that had . . . hand bit . . . dockworkers.
B. Revising Sentences by Correcting Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
The following sentences contain misplaced and dangling modifiers. Revise each sentence so that its meaning will be clear on first reading.
11. On Saturday, Jody said Fred. . . .
12. After seeing a . . . motorcar, Rick thought his family’s minivan seemed bulky and drab.
13. First made in Germany in 1938, the Volkswagen Beetle remains one . . . cars.
14. Captivated . . . cars, Mark was impressed by the 1938 Alfa Romeo.
15. Mr. Reynolds showed his daughter a Model T Ford that came off. . . .
16. Would you please tell Thelma that after lunch Mary plans to watch the . . . motorcars?
17. To . . . condition, the owner often needs much money and patience.
18. During the parade, I got a chance to ride . . . had restored.
19. After . . . motorcars, I became especially interested in the 1940 . . . Lagonda De Ville.
20. Looking . . . exhibits, I could easily see why . . . carriages.
C. Revising Sentences by Correcting Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
The following sentences contain misplaced and dangling modifiers. Revise each sentence so that its meaning will be clear on first reading.
22. After dinner, Mom said my brother and I should wash the dishes.
23. Repeating . . . higher, the vocalist performed the song brilliantly.
24. Jim told Mimi that they would go to the ice-skating show during the holidays.
25. Every player who wants to make the team needs . . . coach.
26. Jo thinks her cat’s coloring with clearly defined stripes is prettier. . . .
27. Having learned . . . sit, the dog had completed its training.
28. After Ernesto and Claudia saw the film, they nearly had an argument about. . . .
29. Before Thanksgiving dinner, Alejandro discussed with his mother the proper . . . turkey.
30. Because I was anxious about this morning’s history test, . . .
31. Remember . . . manager the coach wants to see him before the game.
32. We had a difficult time . . . wind that was blowing . . . ocean.
33. Having . . . disease, the members . . . association formulated a program . . . trees.
34. Professor Dellamorte said that some students were not taking notes throughout class.
35. Whistling through the trees and between the buildings, the wind scattered . . .