Which of the following statements about dangling modifiers is correct?

The statement that dangling modifiers can lead to confusion in writing is accurate because dangling modifiers often create ambiguity about what is being modified in a sentence. When the modifier is not clearly linked to the word it intends to modify, it can result in unclear or nonsensical sentences. For example, if a sentence begins with "After eating the dog food," it may suggest that the dog is the one eating, which can confuse readers if that was not the intended subject. Thus, this option correctly identifies a common issue that arises with dangling modifiers, highlighting their potential to obscure meaning rather than enhance clarity.

The other statements do not capture the essence of dangling modifiers accurately. While some might argue that they can add complexity to sentences, this is not always the case, as they can sometimes lead to oversimplified or nonsensical constructions rather than true complexity. Modifiers typically do not clarify meaning; in fact, they are often the source of confusion. Additionally, dangling modifiers are not considered rare in writing; they can occur frequently if writers are not careful about sentence structure.