Misplaced and dangling modifiers
A describing phrase must sit right next to the word it describes.
Updated October 29, 2026
The rule
An opening phrase like "Running to class," describes whoever comes right after the comma. If that isn't the person or thing doing it, the modifier dangles: "Running to class, my books fell" says the books ran.
Move the phrase next to its word, or name the doer right after the comma.
Examples
Walking home, the rain soaked me.Walking home, I got soaked by the rain.She served cake to the guests on paper plates.She served the guests cake on paper plates.
Quick test: Ask who is doing the action in the opening phrase. That person or thing must come right after the comma.
Try it: find the mistake
The mistake in each sentence is highlighted. Say the fix out loud, then open the answer.
Covered in mud, Mom washed the dog.
Covered in mud, the dog got a bath from Mom.
"Covered in mud" must describe the word right after the comma. The dog was muddy, not Mom.
Running for the bus, my backpack fell open.
Running for the bus, I felt my backpack fall open.
The backpack wasn't running. The person running must come right after the comma.
I saw a deer driving to school.
I saw a deer while I was driving to school.
As written, the deer was driving. Saying who was driving fixes it.
Having finished the essay, the computer was shut down.
Having finished the essay, Ana shut down the computer.
Whoever finished the essay must come right after the comma. The computer didn't finish it.
Where this rule is tested
Questions people ask
What is the rule for misplaced and dangling modifiers?
A describing phrase must sit right next to the word it describes. An opening phrase like "Running to class," describes whoever comes right after the comma. If that isn't the person or thing doing it, the modifier dangles: "Running to class, my books fell" says the books ran.
How can I check my misplaced and dangling modifiers quickly?
Ask who is doing the action in the opening phrase. That person or thing must come right after the comma.
Where can I practice this for free?
In Owl Test Prep's Daily Grammar Fix: one sentence a day for everyone, plus practice sets of five on this rule. It is free, with no account.