Transcript Dangling Modifiers

Dangling Modifiers
Dangling
Modifiers
Agenda
• Modifiers
• Dangling Modifiers
• Participle Phrase
• Prepositional Phrase
• Infinitive Phrase
• Elliptical Clause
•Three Strategies for Revision
•Exercise
•Questions and References
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Modifiers
A modifier is a word, phrase or clause that describes
another word, phrase or clause in the sentence.
Modifiers act as adjectives or adverbs.
Examples:
1. Solder the leads quickly or the chip will overheat.
(The adverb “quickly” modifies “solder”)
2. After studying all night long, I passed the exam.
(The phrase “after studying all night long” modifies “I”)
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Dangling Modifiers
If it is unclear which word, phrase or clause a modifier is
describing, the modifier is called a dangling modifier.
A dangling modifier is often at the beginning of a sentence
with a passive-voice verb.
Example:
Having left the class early, the presentation was missed.
Who left the class early?  subject  the presentation???
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Dangling Modifiers
Four types of sentences can have dangling modifiers:
1. Those that contain a participle phrase
2. Those that contain a prepositional phrase
3. Those that contain an infinitive phrase
4. Those that contain an elliptical clause
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Participle Phrase
• Present participle
Who depends?  subject  we???
Dangling: Depending on the thickness of the silicon channel layer,
we can classify SOI into partially depleted and fully depleted types.
Revision: Depending on the thickness of the silicon channel layer,
SOI can be classified into partially depleted and fully depleted types.
• Past participle
Who is based on d.l.?  subject  we???
Dangling: Based on the doping levels in the MOSFET, we can
calculate the threshold voltage.
Revision: Our threshold voltage calculation is based on the doping
levels in the MOSFET.
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Prepositional Phrase
Who is the student?  subject  MSEE project???
Dangling: As a student of electrical engineering, a MSEE project or
thesis is required .
Revisions:
1. As a student of electrical engineering, I am required to do a MSEE
project or thesis.
2. Because I am a student of electrical engineering, I need to do a
MSEE project or thesis.
Who is using the software?
Dangling: By using the software, the function of transistors can be
known.
Revisions:
1. By using the software, we can know the function of transistors.
2. We can know the function of transistors by using the software.
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Infinitive Phrase
The infinitive form of a verb consists of the word "to"
followed by the base form of the verb: "to be," "to
serve," "to chop," etc.
Who celebrates?
Dangling: To celebrate the completion of the course, a party was
thrown for the instructor.
Revision: The students threw a party for the instructor to celebrate
the completion of the EE 295 course.
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Elliptical Clause
A clause is elliptical if one or more words are omitted. This
can be done when the meaning is still clear due to the
logical structure of the sentence.
Dangling: Though only five, hamburgers were already John's favorite
choice of food.
Who is five? John or the hamburgers?
Revisions:
1. Though only five, John had already found out that hamburgers
were his favorite choice of food.
2. Though he was only five, hamburgers were already John's favorite
choice of food.
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Revising: Completing the
independent clause
1.
2.
Ask: WHO does the action?
Add the logical doer of the action as the subject (=add information)
Dangling: Having left the class early, the "Dangling Modifiers”
presentation was missed.
Revision: Having left the class early, Jim missed the "Dangling
Modifiers” presentation.
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Revising: Completing the
dependent clause
1.
2.
Change the phrase that dangles into a complete introductory
clause.
ADD the doer of the action in that clause:
Dangling: Without knowing the cause of failure, it was hard to
repair the equipment.
Revision: Because the technician did not know the cause of
failure, it was hard to repair the equipment.
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Revising: Combining
Clauses
Combine the phrase and main clause into one:
Dangling: To prove his capability, the test was done again.
Revision: He proved his capability by doing the test again.
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Exercises
Correct all dangling modifiers in the following sentences:
1. Upon sitting down at the bar, the beer was waiting for us.
2. Looking at the diagram of the pipelined data path, it seems
difficult to understand.
3. To examine the board layout, the engineer used a free Allegro
viewer.
4. Shocked once, it is wise to be more careful around high voltages.
5. Manufactured in a clean room, we found few defects in the wafer.
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Possible Solutions
1. The beer was already on the bar as we sat down.
2. Looking at the diagram of the pipelined data path, we feel that it is
difficult to understand.
3. To examine the board layout, the engineer used a free Allegro viewer.
(original was correct -- no change)
4. Shocked once, Tim should be more careful around high voltages.
5. We found few defects in the wafer manufactured in a clean room.
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More Information
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_dangmod.html
http://www.csbsju.edu/writingcenters/Helpful_Handouts/dangling_modifiers.htm
http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/msplmod.html
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Dangling Modifiers: Quiz

Please take the Dangling Modifiers Quiz on
WebCT now.