Needs revision
After reviewing the report, the deadline seemed unrealistic.
GRAMMAR RULES / DANGLING MODIFIER
Dangling Modifier: Examples, Fixes & Checker
A dangling modifier does not clearly attach to the word or person it is supposed to describe.
✓ Clear rule✓ Before/after example✓ Private checker
THE RULE
Dangling Modifier
QUICK EXPLANATIONPlace the person or thing being modified directly after an introductory modifying phrase whenever possible.Use the examples below to see the difference in context.
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EXAMPLE
See the problem and the correction.
Revised
After reviewing the report, we decided the deadline seemed unrealistic.
Why the revision works
In the original, “the deadline” appears to be the thing that reviewed the report. The revision supplies the actual actor: “we.”
FIX IT
Three checks to make in your own sentence.
- Identify who or what performs the action in the opening phrase.
- Put that actor immediately after the modifier.
- Rewrite the opening phrase if the actor is not important enough to name.
TRY YOUR DRAFT
Check the real sentence, not just the example.
LINK2NOTE PRIVATE CHECKER
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
The standard checker runs Harper WebAssembly in your browser. Your draft is not sent to a grammar-checking server for the deterministic pass.
Paste text into the free checker →RELATED RULES
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FAQ
Dangling Modifier questions.
What is a dangling modifier?+
It is a modifying phrase that does not clearly or logically attach to the word it is meant to describe.
Why are dangling modifiers confusing?+
They can accidentally make the wrong noun appear to perform an action.
How do I fix one?+
Name the correct actor and place it next to the modifying phrase, or rewrite the sentence.