A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause positioned so that it seems to modify the wrong word. Passive-verb constructions often leave modifiers dangling (see PV).
In the following example, the underlined clause is “dangling” because “omissions” is grammatically – but illogically – the subject of the verb “to study.” The “omissions” are not doing the studying; you are.
DM: When studying Shakespeare’s transformation of source material, omissions are as important as inclusions.
To solve the problem, either specify the real object of the modifier or rewrite the modifying clause:
Corrected: When studying literary Shakespeare’s transformation of source material, one must note omissions as well as inclusions.
Corrected: In Shakespeare’s transformation of source material, his omissions are as significant as his inclusions.
Other examples (modified from students’ actual submissions):
DM: In searching the parish records and Yorkshire records, all the names of the people mentioned in the document can be found.
Corrected: In searching the parish records and Yorkshire records, I found all the names of the people mentioned in the document.
A better solution: The names of all the people mentioned in the document appear in the parish records or Yorkshire records.
DM: By analyzing the structural aspects of the play, it becomes clear that pre-existing conflicts between the characters affect the complication stage.
Corrected: By analyzing the structural aspects of the play, we can see that pre-existing conflicts between the characters affect the complication stage.
A better solution: Analysis of structural aspects of the play shows that pre-existing conflicts between the characters affect the complication stage.
Janelle Jenstad 