Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers Worksheet

Lesson Overview

About this worksheet

A misplaced modifier sits too far from the word it describes, so a sentence ends up saying something confusing or silly. A dangling modifier has no clear word to describe at all. The fix is to move the modifier next to the word it should describe, or to rewrite the sentence so that word is named. This worksheet gives students hands-on practice correcting both errors.

Section A and Section B each give four flawed sentences (Running down the hall, the bell rang loudly; We saw a dog walking to the store) and ask students to rewrite each one so the modifier is clear. The reference box models a misplaced fix (‘cookies to the children on paper plates’) and a dangling fix (‘Walking to school, the rain began to fall’), sentences not reused in the practice items.

Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample corrections; because more than one rewrite can be correct, students should check that each modifier clearly describes the right word. The skill builds toward clear, precise sentences in students’ own writing.

How to Use This Lesson

Read the reference box aloud and ask ‘who or what is really doing the action?’ for each example.

Complete Section A independently – have students move the modifier next to the word it describes.

Work the first Section B item together: rewrite ‘We saw a dog walking to the store’ two different correct ways.

Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check, noting that other correct rewrites are possible.

Pair with the Parallel Structure Worksheet or the Complex Sentences Worksheet for a sentence-clarity mini-unit.

Printable Resource

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