Some common problems in legal writing, a series--part 2: Misplaced or dangling modifiers
Misplaced or dangling modifiers
When a sentence begins with a dependent clause that modifies a noun, the noun it modifies should come immediately after the clause. If it does not, the clause "dangles" or is misplaced. Often, a misplaced or dangling modifier begins with a present participle ("ing" verb) and so is called a dangling participle.
Sometimes misplaced modifiers strike the reader as humorous because the modifying phrase is applied to a noun in a way that seems odd.
Odd
The next two are better versions of the same idea.
Better
Odd
Better
When you write a dangling modifier, your readers will usually get the intended meaning. Even so, there are two problems: (1) the readers might not get it and will be lost, at least briefly, and (2) sophisticated readers--who recognize the misplaced modifier-- will think less of you as a writer.
Wayne Schiess
Director of Legal Writing | The University of Texas School of Law | Website | Seminars | Articles | Books: Preparing Legal Documents Nonlawyers Can Read and Understand
| Better Legal Writing
| Writing for the Legal Audience
| The Legal Memo: A Basic Guide
When a sentence begins with a dependent clause that modifies a noun, the noun it modifies should come immediately after the clause. If it does not, the clause "dangles" or is misplaced. Often, a misplaced or dangling modifier begins with a present participle ("ing" verb) and so is called a dangling participle.
Sometimes misplaced modifiers strike the reader as humorous because the modifying phrase is applied to a noun in a way that seems odd.
Odd
- Though not yet accepted by the scholarly community, I have nonetheless engaged in a thorough discussion of this theory.
The next two are better versions of the same idea.
Better
- Though not yet accepted by the scholarly community, this theory is one that I have nonetheless thoroughly discussed.
- Though this theory is not yet accepted by the scholarly community, I have nonetheless thoroughly discussed it here.
Odd
- Speaking forcefully and passionately to the jury, the case was won by defense attorney Juliet Anson.
Better
- Speaking forcefully and passionately to the jury, defense attorney Juliet Anson won the case.
When you write a dangling modifier, your readers will usually get the intended meaning. Even so, there are two problems: (1) the readers might not get it and will be lost, at least briefly, and (2) sophisticated readers--who recognize the misplaced modifier-- will think less of you as a writer.
Wayne Schiess
Director of Legal Writing | The University of Texas School of Law | Website | Seminars | Articles | Books: Preparing Legal Documents Nonlawyers Can Read and Understand
| Better Legal Writing
| Writing for the Legal Audience
| The Legal Memo: A Basic Guide
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