Sentence problems 6--misplaced modifiers

When a sentence begins with a dependent clause or phrase that describes a noun, the noun it describes should come immediately after the clause or phrase. If it does not, the modifying clause or phrase "dangles" or is misplaced.

Sometimes misplaced modifiers strike the reader as humorous because the modifying clause or phrase is applied to a noun in a way that seems funny.

Odd: Though not yet accepted by the scholarly community, I have nonetheless engaged in a thorough discussion of this theory.

What is not yet accepted by the scholarly community? The author (I) or the theory? The next two sentences are better versions of the same idea.

Better: Though not yet accepted by the scholarly community, this theory is one that I have nonetheless thoroughly discussed.

Better: Though this theory is not yet accepted by the scholarly community, I have nonetheless thoroughly discussed it here.

Here is another example:

Odd: Speaking forcefully and passionately to the jury, the case was won by defense attorney Juliet Anson.

Better: Speaking forcefully and passionately to the jury, defense attorney Juliet Anson won the case.

--Excerpted from Better Legal Writing