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Topic: Dangling modifier |
1 October 2002 |
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Last week we talked about reduced adverb clauses.
We can reduce the adverb clauses to be modifying phrases. However,
we can do this only when the subject of the main clause and the adverb clause is the same subject.
For example:
Sleeping on the sofa, the cat purred.
Being afraid of ghosts, Tony goes to bed with the light on.
I broke my toenail, moving heavy boxes.
If the subjects of the two clauses are not the same and you reduce the
adverb clause, you might get funny sentences.
For example:
Watching TV, the phone rang. (The phone is watching TV.)
It should read: While I was watching TV, the phone rang.
Thinking about you, you called. (Who is thinking of 'you'? Surely, it can't be 'you'.)
It should read: As I was thinking about you, you called.
Not wanting to bother anyone, the key is left on the table. (The key is very thoughtful.)
It should read: Not wanting to bother anyone, Andy put the key on the table.
Therefore, if you want to use reduced adverb clauses, make sure that the subject of
the sentence can logically and meaningfully perform the verb in the -ing form. |
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Exercise: Reduced Adverb Clauses |
| Directions: Decide if the following sentences are correct. Correct them if they are not. |
 1. Being Romeo's friend, Mercutio argued with Tibolt. |
| 2. Not wanting to marry Paris, Lady Capulet has an argument with her husband. |
| 3. Departing the lovers, the morning is not welcome. |
| 4. Not wanting to marry Paris, Juliet drinks the portion. |
| 5. Not knowing the Friar's plan, Romeo rushes back into Verona. |
| 6. Seeing Romeo dead, Juliet kills herself. |
| 7. Finding their children dead, the two families make peace. |
| 8. Drawing the curtains, the audience dry their tears. |
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Answers |
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