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Misplaced and dangling modifiers create illogical, even comical, sentences. We confuse our readers if we fail to connect modifiers (words that describe or limit other words) to the words they modify; be sure to place modifiers next to the words they modify.
See the illogic in this example:

Walking back from the village, my wallet was lost. (Does your wallet walk?)

REVISED: Walking back from the village, I lost my wallet. (Your wallet doesn’t walk, but you do.)

Misplaced Modifier

A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that, due to its placement, mistakenly refers to the wrong word. The modifier truly is misplaced.

To correct a misplaced modifier, move it next to or near the word it modifies:

A fine athlete and student, the coach honored the captain of the tennis team. (The coach was not the fine athlete and student.)

REVISED: The coach honored the captain of the tennis team, who was a fine athlete and student.

Limiting Modifier

A limiting modifier (e.g., only, almost, nearly, just) is commonly misplaced.

To avoid ambiguity, place the limiting modifier in front of the word it explains:

Marsh reinforces the view that the artist only intended the images for a local audience.

REVISED: Marsh reinforces the view that the artist intended the images only for a local audience.

Dangling Modifier

A dangling modifier is a (usually introductory) word or phrase that the writer intends to modify a following word, but the following word is missing. The result is an illogical statement.

To fix a dangling modifier, add the missing word and place the modifier next to it:

Acting on numerous complaints from students, a fox was found on campus. (The fox did not act on the complaint.)

REVISED: Acting on numerous complaints from students, security found a fox on campus.

Example: After reading the original study, the flaws in Lee’s argument are obvious. (The flaws did not read the study.)

REVISED: Reading the original study reveals obvious flaws in Lee’s argument.

Dangling modifiers go hand-in-hand with wordiness and passive voice. Correct one and you correct them all!

See Sin No. 6

Student on computer

Express Yourself

Developing the ability to communicate in a clear, organized, and effective way is a central goal of a liberal arts education — and a prerequisite for a successful career. That’s why we established centers for writing and speaking.

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Contact

Office / Department Name

Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center

Contact Name

Jennifer Ambrose

Writing Center Director

Office Location
Kirner-Johnson 152
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