Misplaced modifiers, dangling phrases and unclear references – these are mistakes of placement and they can have a disastrous or odd effect on sentences and meaning. The goal is to keep the word or words that modify or directly affect the meaning of other words close together. (i) Dangling phrases usually begin a sentence; what they modify is omitted. Dangling Phrase Example: Checking the lunchroom, the sales manager was found. Correct: Checking the lunchroom, security found the sales manager. (ii) Misplaced modifier – Each modifier needs to be placed next to, or as close as … [Read more...]