Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dangling participle
noun
/ˈdæŋɡlɪŋ ˈpɑːrtɪsɪpəl/
Definition
A participial phrase that does not clearly relate to the word it is intended to modify, often leading to ambiguity or confusion in the sentence.
Examples
- Running down the street, the wind blew my hat off.
- After finishing the book, the table was covered with notes.
- Hiking to the top, the view was breathtaking.
Meaning
Dangling participles create unclear or amusing scenarios in sentences where the subject is not properly connected to the modifying phrase.
Synonyms
- Ambiguous modifier
- Misplaced participial phrase
- Unclear modifier
