Author: | Nola | Published: | about 6 years ago |
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Tags: | humour, clarity, flow, attributions, dangling modifiers, misplaced modifiers | Category: | Writing tips |
It might be fine for Tarzan to dangle from the end of a vine while rescuing Jane (or Wonder Woman to dangle from her Golden Lasso while saving lesser mortals). However, no one likes to see a modifier dangling in literary space. It’s another speed bump that stops readers in their tracks.
What is a Modifier?
It’s a word, or group of words, that modifies or helps describe another word or phrase. An adjective modifies the noun that follows it (e.g. Dancing Queen). A phrase like ‘running from the dragon’ could describe the person who’s running. When a modifier is placed next to the word or phrase it describes, the author’s meaning is usually clear. However, problems can arise if those modifiers are left dangling or otherwise misplaced.
Dangling Modifiers
A dangling modifier is a word, phrase or clause that can be misinterpreted because the subject is missing altogether or appears in another sentence. Consider the following examples.
Presumably, Veronica dropped her purse as she opened the back door. However, because Veronica is not mentioned in the second sentence, it sounds like the purse was opening the door.
We can assume that someone (or something) clicked the buttons. However, because no one is mentioned, it sounds as if the warp drive did the clicking.
It sounds like the song was the one listening.
Problems such as these can be overcome by including the appropriate noun or pronoun, and rephrasing for clarity. For example:
Misplaced Modifiers
A misplaced modifier is one that appears too far away from its intended target word or phrase, thus causing confusion or ambiguity. Consider the following:
It sounds like David Attenborough was the one diving for fish.
Presumably the gown is purple and resplendent in sequins, but it sounds as if the actress is purple and covered in sequins.
Again, some rewording could solve the ambiguities.
Grammar is Funny
In this post, I’ve assumed you want to make your sentences clear. However, dangling and misplaced modifiers can be used for comic effect. Wheeler cites a classic example from Groucho Marx:
Can you think of any funny examples of dangling or misplaced modifiers? Or maybe you’ve come across one in a newspaper or advertisement. I’d love to read your examples. In the meantime, you might like to check out some funny ones here.
For Further Reading:
What is a Modifier? Definition, Examples of Modifiers from the ‘Writing Explained’ website.
The Dangling Modifier by Robin L. Simmons
Don’t Let Your Modifiers Dangle in Polite Society by L. Kip Wheeler
Comments read 4 comments
"After clicking a few buttons on the control panel, the warp drive was engaged." Perhaps the warp drive should start up a dating advisory service called 'How to catch a spouse' so we're not left dangling with suspense. I love it when grammar gets witty. Thanks for entertaining us with your good advice, Nola.
LOL - Thanks Mazzy. Perhaps I should have referred back to my own post about words with double meanings. I'd missed that one. And yes, it is funny when those double meanings provide some humour. Thanks for commenting :)
I do enjoy a good dangling modifier - unless it's in something that really needs to make sense. Like an instruction booklet.
LOL - Yes, they can be fun, but probably not the best if you're trying to give clear instructions. "After anesthetizing the patient, the scalpel should be sterilised." Thanks for commenting :)
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