Think about the last book you read, or the book you’re currently reading. Have you noticed any misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers, or dangling participles?

What the heck is a misplaced modifier?

A misplaced modifier is when a descriptive word or phrase is placed too far from the noun it is meant to describe.

I don’t know about you but I was not a grammar nerd in high school.

Here’s an example of a misplaced modifier: Covered in chocolate, the boy eagerly ate the cake.

I never coated my son in chocolate.

What the heck is a dangling modifier?

A dangling modifier is when a descriptive word or phrase does not logically connect to the subject of the sentence phrase or word it follows. (OMG! Grammar headache!)

In human-speak, it’s when the descriptive word or phrase connects to the wrong noun.

Example: The cat ran after the mouse wearing a red collar.

I know Cinderella dressed her mice up in clothes (yup, I’m a Disney princess at heart), but real mice don’t usually wear collars.

What the heck is a dangling participle?

Dangling participles happen when an introductory phrase with an -ing or -ed word modifies the wrong noun.

I don’t know about you but I always zoned out when my English teacher talked about modifiers.

Running down the street, the cell phone slipped out of her pocket.

My cell phone has never once run down the street. Has yours?

Grammar Shades of Grey

One of my favorites from a wildly popular novel is: “Leaning forward, his breath fans across my neck.”

I hate it when my breath starts leaning!

How about: Gasps erupt from my throat, clutching the sheets.

I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself.

Lazy Writing

I’ve read many books where inanimate objects do all manner of strange things, from running to sitting to reading to leaning. To be honest, I’m guilty of these grammar transgressions as well! However, it’s up to authors to avoid lazy writing as much as possible and because of this, I’m on a hunt for these demons in my current manuscript and when I find one, I’ll eradicate the little devil.

If you find one in my books let me know. But be gentle, because I’m tired after chasing my cell phone down the street.

Dangling Modifier Quiz: Test Your Skills

Test your editing eyes! Spot the mistake in these three sentences.

1. Walking through the park, the trees looked beautiful covered in autumn leaves.
   
2. I served steak to the guests on paper plates.
   
3. Wrapped in bright foil, the toddler devoured the candy bar.

Drop your fixed versions in the comments below, and let’s see who can catch them all! (Oh, I love Pokemon!)

Happy reading, and writing!