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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Is This a Dangling Participle?

"This money strictly speaking is not a gift."

I read the above in a formal letter. The way I see it, the sentence grammatically reads that it is money that is strictly speaking, which, of course, is wrong.

If it is, could this be avoided by writing it without the verb 'speaking' (This money strictly is not a gift.) ? However, as you can see, without the verb "speaking" included, it sounds rather odd. But is it grammatically correct?

Thanks guys!
  

Top answer

No, it is not a dangling participle, but correct punctuation would help. It is a non-finite adverbial of comment which can be placed variously: This money, strictly speaking, is not a gift. Strictly speaking, this money is not a gift.

— Mister Micawber

  • No, it is not a dangling participle, but correct punctuation would help.
  • It is a non-finite adverbial of comment which can be placed variously: This money, strictly speaking, is not a gift.
  • Strictly speaking, this money is not a gift.
  • This money is not a gift, strictly speaking.
  • A dangling participle is assigned to the wrong subject: Hiking the trail, the birds chirped loudly .
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1 Answers
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No, it is not a dangling participle, but correct punctuation would help. It is a non-finite adverbial of comment which can be placed variously:

This money, strictly speaking, is not a gift.

Strictly speaking, this money is not a gift.

This money is not a gift, strictly speaking.

A dangling participle is assigned to the wrong subject:
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