Dangling modifier

A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. If the modifier of a sentence doesn't modify the correct noun or pronoun, then the meaning of the sentence can be confused. These are some examples of dangling modifiers:

• Hearing the good news, happiness was mine. (incorrect)
• Hearing the good news, I was happy. (correct: the modifier should modify the pronoun 'I' rather than the noun 'happiness')
  
  
• Entering the room, the light was off. (incorrect: the subject indicates that 'the light' is entering the room which is not correct)
• Entering the room, I found the light off. (correct)
  
  
• Tired and exhausted, a nap was taken by the passer-by. (incorrect)
• Tired and exhausted, the passer-by took a nap. (correct)
  
  
• Having been served lunch, the problem was discussed by the members of the committee. (incorrect)
• Having been served lunch, the committee members discussed the problem. (correct)
  
  
• Young and inexperienced, the task seemed easy to me. (incorrect)
• Young and inexperienced, I thought the task easy. (correct)
  
  
• While going to class, a dog bit me. (incorrect)
• While going to class, I was bitten by a dog. (correct)