Dangling Modifiers

Adisa Indah Qowwamah (202012500375)

Lisda Nurhayati (202012500367)
Uswatun Hasanah (202012500504)
Agenda
• Modifiers
• Dangling Modifiers
• Participle Phrase
• Prepositional Phrase
• Infinitive Phrase
• Elliptical Clause
•Three Strategies for Revision

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Modifiers
A modifier is a word, phrase or clause that describes
another word, phrase or clause in the sentence.

Modifiers act as adjectives or adverbs.

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 Dangling Modifiers
If it is unclear which word, phrase or clause a modifier is
describing, the modifier is called a dangling modifier.

A dangling modifier is often at the beginning of a sentence

with a passive-voice verb.

Example:
Having left the class early, the presentation was missed.

Who left the class early?  subject  the presentation???

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Dangling Modifiers
Four types of sentences can have dangling modifiers:

1. Those that contain a participle phrase

2. Those that contain a prepositional phrase

3. Those that contain an infinitive phrase

4. Those that contain an elliptical clause

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Dangling Modifier
 “Running down the street, the house was on fire.”
 Revisi: When the man ran down the street, the house was on fire.
 Revisi: Running down the street, the man saw the house was on fire.
Participle Phrase
• Present participle
Dangling: Entering the room, the light was off
Revision: Entering the room, I found the light off.

• Past participle
Dangling: Tired and exhausted, a nap was taken by the passer-by.
Revision: Tired and exhausted, the passer-by took a nap

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Prepositional Phrase
Who is the student?  subject  MSEE project???

Dangling: As a student of electrical engineering, a MSEE project or

thesis is required .
Revisions:
1. As a student of electrical engineering, I am required to do a MSEE
project or thesis.
2. Because I am a student of electrical engineering, I need to do a
MSEE project or thesis.
Who is using the software?
Dangling: By using the software, the function of transistors can be
known.
Revisions:
1. By using the software, we can know the function of transistors.
2. We can know the function of transistors by using the software.

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Infinitive Phrase

The infinitive form of a verb consists of the word "to"

followed by the base form of the verb: "to be," "to
serve," "to chop," etc. Who celebrates?

Dangling: To celebrate the completion of the course, a party was

thrown for the instructor.

Revision: The students threw a party for the instructor to celebrate

the completion of the EE 295 course.

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Elliptical Clause
A clause is elliptical if one or more words are omitted.
This can be done when the meaning is still clear due to the
logical structure of the sentence.

Dangling: Though only five, hamburgers were already John's favorite

choice of food. Who is five? John or the hamburgers?

Revisions:
1. Though only five, John had already found out that hamburgers
were his favorite choice of food.
2. Though he was only five, hamburgers were already John's favorite
choice of food.

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 Revising: Completing the
independent clause
1. Ask: WHO does the action?
2. Add the logical doer of the action as the subject (=add information)

Dangling: Having left the class early, the "Dangling Modifiers”

presentation was missed.

Revision: Having left the class early, Jim missed the "Dangling
Modifiers” presentation.

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Revising: Completing the
dependent clause
1. Change the phrase that dangles into a complete introductory
clause.
2. ADD the doer of the action in that clause:

Dangling: Without knowing the cause of failure, it was hard to

repair the equipment.

Revision: Because the technician did not know the cause of

failure, it was hard to repair the equipment.

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Revising: Combining
Clauses
Combine the phrase and main clause into one:

Dangling: To prove his capability, the test was done again.

Revision: He proved his capability by doing the test again.

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More Information
 https://toqotabaha.wordpress.com/2011/05/28/dangling-
modifiers/
 https://www.sederet.com./tutorial/memahami-dangling-modifier-
dalam-bahasa-inggris/
 https://www.wordsmile.com/pengertian-contoh-kalimat-dangling-
modifier
 https://www.bigbanktheories.com/dangling-modifier-beserta-
contoh-dan-cara-mengatasinya/

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Dangling Modifier