Dangling modifiers

Dangling Daryl

“Swings in from nowhere. Lands on the wrong noun.”

What's the problem?

An introductory modifier such as ‘Walking to class’ usually describes the subject of the main clause. A dangling modifier leaves its intended person or thing unstated or attaches it illogically. Check who is doing the action or experiencing the description. You can fix the sentence by naming that person as the main subject or by giving the opening clause its own subject. Commands can have an understood subject: ‘you.’

✗ Gremlin-infested

Running late for the interview, my coffee spilled all over my shirt.

✓ Fixed

While I was running late for the interview, my coffee spilled all over my shirt.

Why it works

The opening clause now names who was running late. The coffee remains what spilled, preserving the original event.