Misplaced and Dangling Modifier

A misplaced modifier is a word,

phrase, or clause that is improperly
separated from the word it modifies /
describes. 
A dangling modifier is a phrase or
clause that is not clearly and logically
related to the word or words it
modifies  (i.e. is placed next to).
PARALLELISM

Making your
Sentence Structure
clear!!
 Parallelism
• Parallelism is the linking together of similar
grammatical parts in a sentence.
• Items in a series must have parallel structure.
• Using the same pattern of words to show that
two or more ideas are equally important.
 Don’t create problems by mixing
grammatical elements
Non-parallel structures look like this:

1. Tom ate , , and .

2. Tom ate his dinner, watched his favorite show, and going to
bed at night.
 Items in a series must have parallel structure
Parallelism looks like this:

1. Tom ate , , and . .

2. Tom ate his dinner, watched his favorite show, and went to
bed at night.
Parallel Structure
Parallel Structure means using the
same pattern of words to show that two
or more ideas have the same level of
importance. This can happen at three
levels:

 Words
 Phrases
 Clauses
 Parallel Structure
• Examples – what kinds of parallel structures are these?
1. I am reading about dogs, cats, and birds.
2. I plan to walk the dog, write a letter, and
go to bed.
3. He was talking on the phone, and doing
his homework at the same time.
 Parallel Structure
A few more examples:
4. We expect that the dinner will be over by 9
and that we’ll be home by 10.
5. The route crosses the river and climbs up
the mountain.
6. The car is parked in front of the truck and
behind the motorcycle.
 Words and Phrases

Incorrect:

Mary likes hiking, swimming,

and to ride a bicycle.
 More Examples: Words and Phrases

Incorrect:

The production manager was asked

to write his report quickly,
accurately, and in a thorough
manner.
 Clauses
Parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue on with
clauses.

1. The coach told the players that they should get a

lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and
to do some warm-up exercises before the game.
2. The coach told the players that they should get a
lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and
that they should do some warm-up exercises before
the game.
 A quick test: Identify which sentence that has no error in structure:
1. The manager wanted staff who arrived on time smiled at the
customers, and worked hard on tasks.
2.Relaxation can include reading for pleasure, playing with your
friends, or to participate in sports activities.
3. One way to fight stress is to discuss your problems with either
a friend or a relative.
4. During class, Sami spent his time talking to Ahmed, he ate a
candy, and scribbled on his assignment sheet.
5. Alex looked everywhere for his math book --- under the bed,
on his desk, and he searched inside the refrigerator.
 Activity 2: Choose the sentence that has no error in structure
1. During our vacation in Egypt, we hope _____________,
to enjoy beautiful sunsets, and to visit amazing ancient
places.
A. that we eat delicious seafood
B. that eating delicious seafood occurs
C. to eat delicious seafood
D. eating delicious seafood
 Activity 2: Choose the sentence that has no error in structure
2. Karen thought that Ray was everything she
wanted in a husband, for he was tall, intelligent and
____________.
A. he looked good
B. being good looking
C. one handsome man to look at
D. handsome
 Activity 2: Choose the sentence that has no error in structure
3. Pasta boiling in water, _________________, and garlic
bread baking in the oven welcomed father as he opened
the door.
A. simmered tomato sauce in the pan
B. tomato sauce simmering in the pan
C. tomato sauce that simmered in the pan
D. saucy tomatoes that were simmering in
the pan
 Activity 2: Choose the sentence that has no error in structure
4. Tobuy a birthday gift for his friend, Albert visited the florist
for roses, the shop for a box of chocolates, and _______________.
A. bought an expensive gold necklace at the
jewelry store
B. the jeweler for an expensive gold necklace
C. the jeweler where he bought an expensive
gold necklace
D. to buy an expensive gold necklace
 Activity 2: Choose the sentence that has no error in structure
5.I do not ever want to be friends with Adam because he is
too talkative, too noisy, and ___________________.
A. because he the most impolite person I have
ever met.
B. too impolite.
C. being the most impolite person I have ever
met.
D. lacks politeness.
Activity 3: Correct the errors in sentence structure:
1. Sabrina has wit, charm, and she has an extremely
pleasant personality.
2. In English class, Tim learned to read poems critically and
he appreciated good prose.
3.We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it
was embarrassing.
4. Mr. John kept his store clean, neat, and he had if
conveniently arranged.
5. Dine does not like to sing, dance, or acting.
Activity 4: Correct the errors in sentence structure:
1. Good writing requires you to plan outlines, write several drafts,
and revision
2. I left my job for several reasons: the pay was poor, long hours, I
found the work tedious and equipment was dangerous.
3. The man’s two-hour speech was tiresome, inaccurate and it was
not necessary.
4. The assistant manager’s duties are to arrive early, open the office,
payroll management and supervising the staff.
5. We knew that George would become an entrepreneur because he
has ambitious plans, independence, and he never to take a vacation.
Activity 5: Rewrite each sentence to fix all parallelism errors
1. It is easier to tell the truth than lying to people you love.
2. Managing your money well is to be prepared of the future.
3. The project plan is creative but a risk.
4. The witness described the suspect as tall, light-skinned, and with a
beard.
5. Jim wanted to scare us by telling us a ghost story and he showed
us a horror movie.
6. He wanted three things our of college: to master a skill, to make
good friends, and learning about life.