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Examples
Here are some more examples of various dangling modifiers. Keep in mind that the subject or agent of the verb needs to be clear to the reader, and that modifying words and phrases should be able to modify a single item in the sentence.

  1. I exercise only because I want to lose weight.
    Problem: Only is a squinting modifier because it could modify exercise or want.
    Solution: Place only where it modifies correct verb.
    Only because I want to lose weight do I exercise.
    OR
    Because I want to lose weight, I exercise only.
  2. Hanging on a nail in the closet, she found the coat that had been missing.
    Problem: Dangling modifier, since the coat is hanging, not she.
    Solution: Make the subject of hanging clear
    She found the coat hanging on a nail in the closet.
  3. To save your document, the icon that looks like a floppy disk should be used. 
    Problem: The icon isn't doing the saving; you are.
    Solution: Make the real subject of to save explicit.
    To save your document, you should use the icon that looks like a floppy disk.





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