What are dangling modifiers?

Dangling modifiers refer to words or phrases that are not clearly or logically connected to the word or words they are intended to modify in the sentence. Often, this occurs when the subject that the modifier is meant to describe is missing from the sentence, leading to ambiguity or confusion.

For example, if a sentence begins with "Running down the street," without indicating who was running, it leaves the reader pondering who performed the action. This lack of a clear subject makes the modifier "dangling."

In contrast, other choices present different grammatical concepts. Some refer to modifiers that correctly enhance nouns or adjectives, while others characterize verbs in terms of tense. However, none of these adequately captures the essence of a dangling modifier, which is specifically about a modifier that lacks a clear connection with the intended subject.