Writing Skills

Dangling modifiers occur when the subject in the introductory phrase is not stated. To correct a dangling modifier by introducing a subject, a participial phrase or converting the sentence to passive voice.

Example:

• INCORRECT: While reading "The Yellow Wallpaper", the main character evokes pity.
• CORRECT: While I was reading "The Yellow Wallpaper", I felt pity for the main character.

To correct the sentence, we can either introduce a subject or convert the sentence to the passive voice:

• When the parent provides children with an opportunity to be independent, they become more self-motivated.
• When children are provided with an opportunity to be independent, they become more self-motivated.

Additionally, we can correct the sentence using a participial phrase:

• By providing children with an opportunity to be independent, parents help them to be more self-motivated.