"To comprehend x, it is necessary to understand y." Is this a dangling modifier?

Question

Because I often think of sentences in the "we must"-form, as in:
"To comprehend x, we must first understand y."
when I write things that demand I do not write "we," I instead often write sentences like this:
"To comprehend x, it is necessary to understand y?"
Is this a dangling modifier? Or is it wrong or ugly in some other way?

user405662 · Answer

Neither of your two sentences has a misplaced/dangling modifier. Reason being that the dummy it of the clause it is necessary to understand Y or the subject we of the clause we need to understand Y in no way refer to X of the preceding infinitive clause.
Compare: To work as a loan officer, an education in financial planning is required. This is an example of a misplaced/dangling modifier, because educations working as loan officers doesn't make any sense.

"To comprehend x, it is necessary to understand y." Is this a dangling modifier?

One Answer

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question