A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word it modifies.  Because of the separation, sentences often sound awkward, ridiculous, or confusing. (Margaret Benner)

A dangling modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is not clearly and logically related to the word or words it modifies.  In most cases, the modifier appears at the beginning of the sentence.  When an introductory phrase contains no subject, the subject is presumed to be the subject of the main clause.  If the relationship is faulty, an illogical reference will occur.

Rewrite each sentence to avoid misplaced and dangling modifiers.

1.    Before buying a horse, the auctioneer should explain the pedigree.

2.    Leaving the field, the ball was seen bouncing on the sideline.

3.    To become governor, the congress must elect the man by the deadline.

4.    Billy saw the girl looking through the store window.

5.    After mowing the grass, the lawn looked beautiful.

6.    When filling the bowl with dog food, the dog ran into the street.

7.    This afternoon encouraged my son to get a haircut three times.

8.    They stood watching the boats sail by on the hotel balcony..

9.    The player was given a trophy who scored the winning goal.

10.    The woman showed her friends her new dress on the dance floor.