Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier incorrectly modifies a phrase in the sentence. Moving the subject or modifier around can clarify the sentence.

Example #1:
  • Incorrect: Dressed in a lab coat, the medical students watched the doctor rush down the hall.
    • The action dressed in a lab coat, is incorrectly followed by medical students, rather than the doctor.
  • Correct: The medical students watched the doctor, dressed in a lab coat, rush down the hall.
    • The action dressed in a lab coat, is next to the subject, the doctor, it modifies.
Example #2:
  • Incorrect: Screaming at the neighbors, the officers arrested the woman.
    • This implies the officers were at the neighbors while arresting the woman.
  • Correct: The officers arrested the woman screaming at the neighbors.
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