Grammar and reading terms · SAT Reading and Writing, ACT English, ACT Reading
Dangling modifier
Also called: Misplaced modifier
Dangling modifier: A descriptive phrase that does not clearly modify the word it is meant to describe, usually because that word is missing or misplaced.
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What it means
An introductory modifying phrase must be followed immediately by the noun it describes. If it is not, the sentence implies something illogical.
Fix the error by placing the correct noun directly after the phrase.
Example
Incorrect: 'Walking into the room, the lights turned on.' Correct: 'Walking into the room, Maya turned on the lights.'
On the exam
Modifier questions on the SAT and ACT often have four answers that differ only in what follows the comma.