Hockey fans use the term “dangler” to refer to a player who fools a defender with exceptionally adept puck handling. With a series of moves and puck control, a dangler causes opponents to lurch for the puck as if it’s dangling on a string, just out of reach.
Sentences can have a dangling effect, too, when modifiers veer too far from the words they describe. Unlike in hockey, this type of dangler won't get any cheers.
To ensure your readers won't lurch for meaning, avoid dangling and misplaced modifiers.
How can I fix a dangling modifier?
Dangling modifiers are descriptive words or phrases that do not connect with any other word in the sentence. You can correct a dangling modifier by adding the word it modifies.
Don't Say: While scanning the contract, the phone rang. (It sounds as if the phone was scanning the contract.)
Do Say: While scanning the contract, I heard the phone ring.
How can I fix a misplaced modifier?
A misplaced modifier connects to the wrong word in the sentence. The result is an unclear description. To fix a misplaced modifier, place the modifier closer to whatever it is describing.
Don't Say: The bureau’s website has nearly been under construction for two days. (Does this mean the website is close to being under construction, or that it has been under construction for almost two days?)
Do Say: The bureau’s website has been under construction for nearly two days.
Don't Say: My colleague sent an email to everyone that was outdated. (Are the people outdated, or is the email outdated?)
Do Say: My colleague sent an outdated email to everyone.
Pay close attention to your limiting modifiers. These modifiers can easily muddle the meaning of a sentence if they are not placed next to the right words. Some examples include only, almost, barely, even, hardly, just, nearly, simply. Keep limiting modifiers close to the words they describe.
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