MODIFIERS

GENERAL RULE

Modifier should be placed as

close as possible to the word it
modifies.
When modified
improperly…
MISPLACED MODIFIER
Misplaced modifier seems to modify
the WRONG WORD.

He told us to cut wood through written

directions.
The pianist played a new composition sitting on
the piano bench.
EXAMPLES:
The doctor told me I was overweight on Monday.
I set out a breakfast of yogurt and cereal for my family on the
kitchen table.
The three bankers talked quietly in the corner smoking pipes.
Ralph piled all of his clothes in the hamper that he had worn.
DANGLING MODIFIER
A dangling modifier seems to modify the wrong word
or no word at all because the word it modifies
has been omitted from the sentence.

To go to the game, seats must be reserved.

Casting the play, a fine group of actors was chosen
carefully.
Having finished the assignment, the hour was late.
EXAMPLES
Looking toward the west, a funnel cloud stirred up dust.
When nine years old, mother enrolled in medical school.
Driving down the street, my toddler started crying for her teddy
bear that she left at grandmother’s home.
Write each sentence, correcting its modifiers.
Identify whether the modifier is misplaced or
dangling.

1. We saw the seagulls sitting at the sidewalk

café.
2. Whirling round and round, we saw our clothes
in the drier.
3. Covered with mold, he threw out the cheese.
4. Falling on the stairs, my jaw was dislocated.
5. To get out of the woods, a compass was used.