Dangling Modifiers
If you begin a sentence with any kind of introductory modifying phrase,
be sure that the phrase modifies the subject of the sentence.
Some Examples:
Incorrect
To write effectively, your essay must be free of dangling modifiers. (What is
doing the writing? In this case, it sounds like your essay is doing the writing.)
Correct
To write effectively, you must keep your essays free of dangling modifiers. (You
are doing the writing.)
Incorrect
Being the only freshman in the class, Psychology 542 seemed particularly
difficult. (Who is the only freshman in the class? In this case, it sounds like
Psychology 542 is the only freshman in the class.)
Correct
Being the only freshman in the class, I found Psychology 542 particularly
difficult. (I am the only freshman in the class.)