Careful writers always seek to avoid the lack of clarity that a dangling modifier causes. The
goal of this sheet is to help you learn to identify and correct dangling modifiers.
Definition of a dangling modifier:
“A dangling modifier fails to refer logically to any word in the sentence. Dangling modifiers
are usually introductory word groups (such as verbal phrases) that suggest but do not name
an actor. When a sentence opens with such a modifier, readers expect the following clause
to name the actor. If it doesn’t the modifier dangles” (from Hacker, Diana. Rules for
Writers, 3rd Ed. Bedford: 1996).
An understanding of the following might prove useful:
Example sentence: Unaware of his bike’s flat tires, Patrick began to pedal but fell.
Subject: The noun or pronoun that indicates what a sentence is about, and which the verb
refers to or elaborates. Patrick is the subject of this sentence. Because he is a person who, in
this sentence, acts, Patrick is what we refer to as an “actor.”
Independent clause: A group of words which has both a subject and a verb, and which
can stand alone as a sentence. In the example sentence above, “Patrick began to pedal but
fell” is an independent clause.
Modifier: a word or word group that qualifies, describes, or limits the meaning of a word,
phrase, or clause. In the example sentence above, the word group “Unaware of his bike’s flat
tires” is a modifier.
How to identify dangling modifier:
Question 1: Does the opening phrase suggest, but fail to name, an actor?
If yes, then ask yourself Question 2.
Question 2: does the subject of the independent clause name an actor?
If no, then revise the dangling modifier.
courtesy of the
Franklin & Marshall College
Writing Center
Dangling Modifiers
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