A dangling modifier is a word or phrase modifying a term that has been omitted or to which it cannot easily be linked. To correct a dangling modifier, reword the sentence by either (1) changing the modifying phrase to a clause with a subject or (2) changing the subject of the sentence to the word that should be modified.

Dangling gerund:

• Shortly after leaving home, the accident occurred.



Correction:

• Shortly after we left home, the accident occurred.




Dangling infinititive:

• To get up on time, a great effort was needed.



Correction:

• To get up on time, I made a great effort.




Dangling participle:

• Being very tired, the alarm failed to disturb Charles's sleep.



Correction:

• Because he was very tired, the alarm failed to disturb Charles's sleep.