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A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that appears to modify the subject of the sentence, but doesn’t. The modifier "dangles" because there is no word in the sentence that it can logically modify. Dangling modifiers should be corrected because they give readers inaccurate information and may cause unintended humor. To make corrections, sometimes you can eliminate the phrase entirely. You can add or change the subject of the independent clause, or you can change the dangling phrase into a subordinate clause. Occasionally, rewriting the entire sentence produces the best result.
Examine the following examples and revisions. The unclear sentences indicate that the writers had good intentions and definite ideas, but the sentences still might confuse readers.
When in production, the engineer is responsible for keeping the production lines running smoothly.
Is the engineer being manufactured? Replicated? Assembled? Readers can figure out that the writer means the engineer works in the production department or is responsible for the production process—but that’s not what the sentence says; it says the engineer is in production. Placing the questionable phrase immediately after the subject is a good test for some sentences. If the result is ridiculous or nonsensical, you know the sentence must be revised. The revision of the sample sentence is easy because "production" is repetitious; the dangling modifier is merely eliminated.
The engineer is responsible for keeping the production lines running smoothly.
The next sentence has an unstated but understood "you" as the subject.
After 30 minutes at 250° Fahrenheit, raise the oven temperature to 300° Fahrenheit.
Whoever is adjusting the oven temperature is going to be mighty warm! A person cannot possibly spend 30 minutes at 250° Fahrenheit without being cooked. The sentence can be corrected by making the dangling modifier into a subordinate clause by adding a subject.
After the oven has been at 250° Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, raise the temperature to 300° Fahrenheit.
Sometimes a dangling modifier can be eliminated by turning the phrase into a subordinate clause with a logical subject.
After assembly, the index, middle, and ring fingers are inserted into the holes at the end of the control arm.
Have you ever heard of a manufacturer offering ready-to-assemble fingers? The sentence can be revised several ways; here are two possibilities:
After you have assembled the control arm, insert your index, middle, and ring fingers into the holes.
After the control arm is assembled, insert your index, middle, and ring fingers into the holes at the end.
