dangling modifier?

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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navit
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dangling modifier?

Post by navit »

1) You know how rude he is to me, especially with a uniform on.
2) You know how rude he is to me, especially in a uniform.

Could these mean:
... especially when I have a uniform on

Could the adverbial phrase modify 'me'?


3) He talked to me with a uniform on.
4) He talked to me in a uniform.

Could these mean:
... when I had a uniform on.
Could the adverbial phrase modify 'me'?

Gratefully,
Navi
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Alan
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Re: dangling modifier?

Post by Alan »

The adverbial in such cases is generally/naturally understood as relating to the subject.

It would, however, be advisable to avoid such clumsy and needlessly ambiguous locutions!
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