What is a dangling participle?: Difference between revisions

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It is important to avoid dangling participles. Even though, a participle does not make an assertion, nonetheless does imply an actor. Failing while trying to identify this actor creates misleading; and in some cases humorous-effects.
It is important to avoid dangling participles. Even though, a participle does not make an assertion, nonetheless does imply an actor. Failing while trying to identify this actor creates misleading; and in some cases humorous-effects.


For Example:
 
== Examples ==
 
'''''Example #1'''''


'''Dangling'''
'''Dangling'''
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''Driving'' through the mountains, several bears were seen.
''Driving'' through the mountains, several bears were seen.


- The participle ''driving'' modifies nothing; it seems to modifies ''bears'' which is not logically related.
(The participle ''driving'' modifies nothing; it seems to modifies ''bears'' which is not logically related.)


'''Revised'''
'''Revised'''
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''Driving'' through the mountains, we saw several bears.
''Driving'' through the mountains, we saw several bears.


- Here, ''driving'' modifies ''we'', which is the subject of the independent clause[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_clause].
(Here, ''driving'' modifies ''we'', which is the subject of the independent clause[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_clause].)
 
'''''Example #2'''''
 
'''Dangling'''
 
''Riding'' a bicycle, a ''dog'' chased me.
 
(''Riding'' modifies nothing; it cannot logically modify ''dog''.)
 
'''Revised'''
 
''Riding'' my bicycle, ''I'' was chased by a dog.
 
(''Riding'' clearly modifies ''I'', the subject of the main clause.)
 


== Types of dangling constructions ==
-Dangling Particle
-Dangling Gerunds[http://jaffeerevises.com/dangling.htm]
-Dangling Infinitives[http://jaffeerevises.com/dangling.htm]
-Dangling Elliptical Clauses




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== '''References''' ==
== '''References''' ==


Leggett, Glenn, C. David Mead and William Charvat. Prentice-Hall Handbook for Writers Fourth Edition. Prentice-Hall Inc. 1965. pp.95, 96 & 467.
Leggett, Glenn, C. David Mead and William Charvat. ''Prentice-Hall Handbook for Writers''. Fourth Edition. Prentice-Hall Inc. 1965. pp.95, 96 & 467.
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