Page 71 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

Writing Workshop 6 (continued)
4 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 8
Dangling Modifiers
Like a misplaced modifier, this error occurs when a phrase is incorrectly placed in a sentence so that it appears to modify the wrong word. In this case, however, whatever the writer wanted to modify is missing from the sentence. Because of this, the modifying phrase is left “dangling.” For example,
When finished with dinner, the restaurant offered a tray of desserts.
This sentence is arranged so that the phrase “when finished with dinner” modifies “the restaurant.” Adding in the word the writer intended to modify clears this up:
When we finished dinner, the restaurant offered a tray of desserts.
Practice
The following sentences have misplaced or dangling modifiers. Revise them so that they can be easily understood by readers.
After reading the reviews, the movie should be very funny.
Sample response: After reading the reviews, I think the movie should be very funny.
He delivered packages to the children wrapped in brown paper.
Sample response: He delivered packages, wrapped in brown paper, to the children.
When surrounded by the wolves, his legs began to shake.
Sample response: When he was surrounded by the wolves, his legs began to shake.
I got up and walked the dog in my pajamas.
Sample response: I got up and, in my pajamas, walked the dog.
Although stale, Bob ate the cookie.
Sample response: Although the cookie was stale, Bob ate it.
As you conduct your own research and present your findings, both individually and with peers, be sure to look over your sentences for modifying phrases. Check for misplaced and dangling modifiers, and revise them so that your audience can understand your intended meaning.
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