1. Dangling Modifiers

3. Agenda Modifiers Dangling Modifiers Participle Phrase Prepositional Phrase Infinitive Phrase Elliptical Clause Three Strategies for Revision Exercise Questions and References 2

4. 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. 3 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”)

5. 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. 4 Example: Having left the class early, the presentation was missed. Who left the class early?  subject  the presentation???

6. 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 5

7. Participle Phrase Present participle 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 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. 6 Who depends?  subject  we??? Who is based on d.l.?  subject  we???

8. Prepositional Phrase 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. 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. 7 Who is the student?  subject  MSEE project??? Who is using the software?

9. 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. 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. 8 Who celebrates?

10. 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. 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. 9 Who is five? John or the hamburgers?

11. Revising: Completing the independent clause 1.Ask: WHO does the action? 2.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. 10

12. Revising: Completing the dependent clause 1.Change the phrase that dangles into a complete introductory clause. 2.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. 10

13. 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. 11

14. 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. 13

15. 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. 14

16. 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 15

17. Dangling Modifiers: Quiz Please take the Dangling Modifiers Quiz on WebCT now.