A modifier describes or qualifies another part of a sentence. A dangling modifier occurs when the intended subject of the modifier is missing from the sentence, and instead another subject appears in its place.
Dangling modifiers often take the form of an introductory phrase that is connected to the wrong thing.
Dangling
Fumbling in her purse, the keys could not be found.
Corrected
Fumbling in her purse, she could not find the keys.
As she fumbled in her purse, the keys could not be found.
Recognizing dangling modifiers
In a correct sentence, the subject (or doer) that is modified should immediately follow the comma after the modifier. In the example below, the introductory phrase modifies Jane, the subject of the main clause.
Example
- While driving to work, Jane witnessed a car accident on the highway.
