UWF WRITING LAB RULES OF THUMB FOR DANGLING

UWF WRITING LAB RULES OF THUMB FOR DANGLING AND MISPLACED MODIFIERS From Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon Created by April Turner

Dangling Modifiers n n n 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?

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

A Misplaced Modifier n n n 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?

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

Split Infinitives n n n 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.

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

Squinting Modifiers n n n 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?

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

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

LET’S PRACTICE A LITTLE MORE!!! In group situations, the people who participate sometimes can be annoying when they don’t know what they are doing. n …who participate can sometimes be annoying… n It is the citizens’ right to openly criticize the government without fear of being harassed. n …right to criticize the government openly without fear of being harassed. n

Complete this Practice Exercises on a Separate Paper n n n Rewrite these sentences so they have no errors in modifier placement. 1. A woman passed by, leading a springer spaniel in a long black dress. 2. After trying the combination several times, the lock finally opened. 3. Disappointed that vacation would soon end, September came all too quickly. 4. He went to the library wearing a leather jacket. 5. After reading the paper, the telephone rang. 6. Working all afternoon, the foundation was completed. 7. Running from New York to Florida , people ride the Silver Star. 8. Laughing loudly, the joke pleased the audience. 9. Forgetting to buy gas, the car wouldn't start. 10. Typing slowly, the paper seemed endless.