English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Select the misplaced or dangling modifier
Select the misplaced or dangling modifier
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'modifier,' 'misplaced modifier,' and 'dangling modifier' with 90% accuracy.
Differentiate between a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier in provided examples.
Analyze sentences to identify modifying phrases and the words they logically describe.
Select the misplaced or dangling modifier from a series of sentences, such as in a multiple-choice question format.
Revise sentences to correct misplaced modifiers by moving the modifying phrase.
Revise sentences to correct dangling modifiers by rewriting the main clause or the modifying phrase.
Apply knowledge of modifiers to proofread and improve the clarity of their own thesis-driven writing.
Peeking through the blinds, the neighbor's cat startled me. Wait, was...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ModifierA word, phrase, or clause that describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about another word in a sentence.In 'The *quick* brown fox,' the word *quick* is a modifier describing the fox.
Target WordThe specific word or group of words that a modifier is intended to describe.In 'The student *reading a book* sat down,' the target of the modifier *reading a book* is 'student'.
Misplaced ModifierA modifier that is placed too far from its target word, causing it to illogically describe the wrong word in the sentence.Incorrect: 'The girl walked the dog *in the pink sweater*.' (Is the dog wearing the sweater?) Correct: 'The girl *in the pink sweater* walked the dog.'
Dangling ModifierA modifier that describes a target...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Proximity Rule
Modifiers should be placed as close as possible to the word or words they modify.
This is the primary rule for fixing misplaced modifiers. When you identify a modifier, check to see if it's right next to its target. If not, move it.
The Logical Subject Rule
An introductory modifying phrase must logically describe the subject of the main clause that immediately follows it.
This rule is the key to identifying and fixing dangling modifiers. Always check the subject of the sentence and ask, 'Does it make sense for the introductory phrase to describe this subject?' If not, you have a dangling modifier.
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Challenging
A student is writing a thesis-driven essay. Which sentence contains a modifier error that most weakens the clarity of their analytical point? 'In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the theme of madness is explored. Driven by revenge, Hamlet's actions become increasingly erratic. The audience questions his sanity, watching his descent. To understand his motives, the soliloquies must be closely examined.'
A.In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the theme of madness is explored.
B.Driven by revenge, Hamlet's actions become increasingly erratic.
C.The audience questions his sanity, watching his descent.
D.To understand his motives, the soliloquies must be closely examined.
Challenging
Original sentence with dangling modifier: 'After researching for weeks, the thesis statement was finally written.' Which revision is both grammatically correct and written in the strongest, most concise style?
A.After researching for weeks, the writing of the thesis statement was done.
B.The thesis statement was finally written after researching for weeks.
C.After I researched for weeks, the thesis statement was finally written by me.
D.After researching for weeks, I finally wrote the thesis statement.
Challenging
The sentence 'The student showed the essay to her teacher that she had just finished' violates the 'Proximity Rule.' What other core rule or concept from the tutorial is most closely related to the error in 'While climbing the mountain, the view was spectacular'?
A.The 'Only' Trap
B.The Logical Subject Rule
C.The Split Infinitive Pitfall
D.The Passive Voice Pitfall
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