What s a dangling modifier?
A modifier is a phrase or word meant to describe or explain part of a sentence. In Example 1a, the phrase before the comma modifies the subject of the main sentence, which is “I”: Example 1a: Driving down the interstate, I saw the dead dog. The modifer driving down the interstate clearly describes the action of I. A dangling or misplaced modifier is not clearly connected to its object, making the sentence unclear or illogical: Example 1b: I saw the dead dog driving down the interstate. In Example 1b, the modifier appears to describe the dead dog, an unlikely candidate for a driver s license. The problem with dangling modifiers is that they confuse your reader. To get an idea of how embarrassing this kind of mistake can be, take a look at our list of the best dangling and misplaced modifiers of all time. Dangling modifiers aren t always that obvious, however, which is why they are so common. It s especially easy to read right over them when you already know or can easily guess what the
