6 Questions
What type of grammatical error occurs when a word or phrase is not clearly linked to the noun it is intended to modify?
Dangling modifier
Where is a dangling modifier usually placed in a sentence?
At the beginning of a sentence
What is the result of a dangling modifier in a sentence?
Ambiguity and confusion
How can a dangling modifier be corrected?
By rephrasing the sentence to clearly link the modifier to the noun
What is the purpose of a modifier in a sentence?
To clarify the meaning of a noun
What is an example of a corrected dangling modifier?
After having studied all night, I found the exam easy.
Study Notes
Grammatical Errors
- A dangling modifier is a type of grammatical error that occurs when a word or phrase is not clearly linked to the noun it is intended to modify.
- This can lead to ambiguity and confusion in the sentence.
Characteristics
- Typically, a dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is not clearly connected to the noun it is intended to describe.
- It is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence, but is not clearly linked to the subject of the sentence.
- The modifier is said to be "dangling" because it is not clearly attached to a specific noun.
Examples
- "Having studied all night, the exam was easy." (The modifier "Having studied all night" is not clearly linked to a specific noun.)
- "Walking down the street, the trees seemed to lean in." (The modifier "Walking down the street" is not clearly linked to a specific noun.)
Corrections
- To correct a dangling modifier, the sentence must be rephrased to clearly link the modifier to the noun it is intended to describe.
- This can be done by reordering the sentence, adding a noun, or using a different grammatical structure.
- For example: "After having studied all night, I found the exam easy." (The modifier "After having studied all night" is clearly linked to the noun "I".)
Learn to identify and correct dangling modifiers, a common grammatical error that can lead to ambiguity and confusion in sentences. Understand the characteristics and examples of dangling modifiers and how to correct them.
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