This article provides excellent, detailed discussion. In critique groups I’ve been enrolled in, some critiquers seem terrified of the progressive tenses, and some believe that using a present-participle phrase as a modifier constitutes “mixing tenses” and therefore incorrect. The article is on point that glomming onto such rigid rules limits writers’ options for rhythm and meaning.
And the discussion here of dangling modifiers should be required reading for all aspiring writers. i see so many of these. Otherwise competent writers seem oblivious to them. The examples here precisely mirror what I see. Here’s my rant on dangling modifiers.
I think writers need to READ, widely, and not just the latest free examples of their favorite genre, to see how good writers make use of many available strategies and apply rules thoughtfully rather than blindly.
If you’ve ever been told to cut “-ing” words, take the time to read this!
Paddy and his mom!
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Just Can't Help Writing 
Thanks so much for sharing this great information. I am a self-taught writer of fiction which is so different compared to writing papers for college. LOL! I now understand the editing process. That is the time that you make your words shine by your changing and rearranging. I feared this process until I read this article. Now, I know I can make my writing into what I imagined it to be all along. ❤
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Above all, I’d call it an ACCURATE article. So many of these “rules” aren’t set in stone (excuse cliche!). Good luck! You seem on the way to me.
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It is a process. Just learning how to identify your own *ahem* bad habits and grammar issues is half the battle. I have had a dear, author friend who actually “alpha,” read my manuscript to help me learn some of the fundamentals. I want to do this right the first time. Thanks for your support. ❤
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🙂
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