Writing Handbook Exercises
 

Dangling Modifiers

Repair the dangling modifier error in each of the sample sentences (most often a dangling participle). A few sentences will require some rephrasing to make them grammatically sound. Write your finished sentences in the blanks provided.

Example: Promoted from the ranks, routine administration and enforcing discipline were the responsibilities of non-commissioned officers.

Promoted from the ranks, non-commissioned officers were responsible for routine administration and enforcing discipline.

(The dangling modifier in the example sentence is here underlined; its proper subject is in bold-faced type.)

11. As the principal monitor of soldiers’ conduct, within the army the NCO has a unique function.