48c Revising dangling modifiers

48cRevising dangling modifiers

Dangling modifiers seem to modify something that is implied but not actually present in the sentence and can be distracting for readers. Dangling modifiers frequently appear at the beginnings or ends of sentences.

DANGLING Driving nonstop, Salishan Lodge is two hours from Portland.
REVISED Driving nonstop from Portland, you can reach Salishan Lodge in two hours.
REVISED If you drive nonstop, Salishan Lodge is two hours from Portland.

The preceding revised sentences illustrate two ways to fix a dangling modifier. Often you need to add a subject that the modifier clearly refers to. Sometimes, however, you have to turn the dangling modifier itself into a phrase or clause.

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In the original sentence, was the dog reluctant, or was someone else who is not mentioned reluctant?

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His aunt was never a young boy.

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Eyes cannot thumb through a magazine.

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The original clause does not refer to everyone or his company. It needs its own subject and verb.