What is a dangling modifier?

A dangling modifier refers to a description or phrase that is meant to modify a particular word but is left without a clear subject in the sentence, leading to confusion about what the modifier is actually describing. This occurs when the intended noun or subject is not present or is implied, which makes the phrase unclear.

For example, in the sentence "Running down the street, the dog was barking," the modifier "Running down the street" seems to modify "the dog," creating a confusing image, as dogs cannot run down the street on their own; a person would typically be the one running. The modifier dangles because it is not explicitly attached to the word it is intended to modify (the implied subject, a person).

Understanding the concept of a dangling modifier is essential for clear and precise writing, ensuring that descriptions directly relate to the appropriate nouns they intend to modify. The other options do not accurately define this grammatical error, making B the correct choice.