A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a noun that is not clearly stated in a sentence, resulting in a confusing or humorous interpretation. These types of errors are common in written and spoken language, and while they may not necessarily change the meaning of a sentence, they can certainly add an element of humor.
One example of a humorous dangling modifier is: "Walking through the park, the ice cream truck was spotted by the children." In this sentence, it is unclear whether the children were walking through the park or the ice cream truck was spotted by the children. A revised version of the sentence could be: "While walking through the park, the children spotted the ice cream truck."
Another example of a humorous dangling modifier is: "After eating too much pizza, the belt was tightened by Sarah." In this sentence, it is unclear whether Sarah ate too much pizza or the belt was tightened by Sarah. A revised version of the sentence could be: "After eating too much pizza, Sarah tightened her belt."
Not only do dangling modifiers add humor to a sentence, but they can also cause confusion and misunderstanding. It is important to ensure that the noun being modified is clearly stated in a sentence to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
In conclusion, humorous dangling modifiers can add an element of fun to written and spoken language, but it is important to be mindful of their potential to cause confusion. By paying attention to the noun being modified and making sure it is clearly stated in a sentence, we can avoid these types of errors and ensure that our communication is clear and effective.
Funny dangling modifier errors
In this sentence the doer the subject of the action is missing. Having done the laundry, Jack made the bed. Strolling hand in hand to the farm, the young bulls broke out of the field and headed toward us. People do the strangest things. Dangling modifiers typically occur at the beginning of a sentence. The model posed gracefully in front of the statue in the designer gown. Smiling, my sandwich will be made again, but next time I will add cheese.
Better: When I finished my dinner, the waitress offered to bring out the dessert tray. . Get inspiration from over. Source: Deviant Art What a terrible waitress! First of all, what is a modifier? Better: The time went by slowly while I was waiting for the bus. Try your hand at fixing these dangling modifiers! Above all, make sure that you position your modifiers directly adjacent to the word they are modifying.
Example 3: Waiting for the Elevator In some situations, a dangling modifier can render a whole sentence meaningless. Do you know a dangling modifier when you see it? A tarantula bit one of the dockworkers that had a hairy, huge body. When people try to include too many ideas in a single sentence, it is very easy to place the modifier in the wrong spot. The past participle "unbeaten" is left dangling here, apparently modifying the noun "the regular season championship. Dangling by a Thread. Our Take Did you enjoy that lesson on identifying and fixing funny dangling modifiers? In sentences 3-5: The bananas appear to be coming out of the market, the children appear to be "trapped" in the plastic containers, and the oysters are "coming down the stairs" for dinner.
Check out what the Comma Queen has to say on the subject! Without getting complicated, a modifier is a word, clause, or phrase that modifies changes, clarifies, enhances, describes another word, clause, or phrase in the sentence. Dangling: The cops chased the bear in the squad car. Starting your sentence with an adjective is an effective stylistic choice. After identifying the dangling modifier, rewrite the sentence. This is one option for putting the modifier next to "Janet. Example Dangling: After leaving the house, the car was started. After all, who would ignore their own grand gesture? While doing the dishes, a mouse ran across the floor.
Remember my analogy in the last post? The revision requires a bit of a rewrite to make things right: I put some turkey in the meat grinder and fed it to my puppy. How do you get rid of dangling modifiers? Author: Melinda Clayton Melinda Clayton is the author of the Cedar Hollow series, as well as a self-publishing guide. We add the chicken to this sentence in order to remove the dangling modifier and make the meaning clear. Remember that there can be more than one correct answer as there are different ways to fix dangling modifiers. They are easy to make, but fortunately, also pretty easy to correct.
Better: Margaret read the note that was taped to the wall. I bought a fresh loaf of bread for my sandwich shopping in the grocery store. Your Turn Want to keep the fun going and learn more about grammar? The sweater belongs to my best friend that has a V-shaped neck. I can pay attention when I have to. I cut the sandwich in half with a knife turning on the radio. Enjoy the following examples of dangling modifiers. Dangling: Waiting for the bus, the time went by slowly.
Funny Misplaced or Dangling Modifiers Do you have any favorites? Here are two of mine. I love the mental images. Flying over the African landscape, the...
Placing the cold cuts on the bread, the lettuce was placed on top. Adding a subject Anna allows the reader to know who has read the book. Scurrying into the anthill, I watched the ants with amazement. If you are having a hard time fitting all of the information in one sentence, split it into two. The dog was chasing the boy with the spiked collar.
Dangling Modifier: Don't Make This Grammar Mistake
Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg address while traveling from Washington to Gettysburg on the back of an envelope. Dangling modifiers might sometimes be hilarious, but they also cause confusion. A line from Shakespeare's famous play "Hamlet" reads: " Sleeping in mine orchard, a serpent stung me. Did the car leave the house? My question is about "only. For now, has anyone seen any hilarious misplaced modifiers? Here is a revision that makes sense: Gary and his grandson went to the beach wearing sunscreen on their bald heads, and his grandson wore a diaper.
Funny—but Not so Funny—Dangling & Misplaced Modifiers
Starving, the three-day-old pizza was devoured. In the case of the diaper, we need to find the baby whose bottom it should be on. Therefore, "Packing my kit into three huge holdalls" is a dangling modifier. Dangling Modifier Examples Typically, a dangling modifier comes in the form a phrase or clause at the beginning or end of a sentence. Prepositional Phrases as Dangling Modifiers Prepositional phrases provide more information about a noun in the sentence. With a grunt of disapproval, Rita threw the newspaper on the table. Covered in mustard and relish, I enjoyed the hot dog.
