Rule 09: Misplaced Modifiers

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

One of the most recognizable monuments in the United States, millions of immigrants have been greeted by the Statue of Liberty.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

as written, it means millions of immigrants are one of the most recognizable monuments

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

One of the most recognizable monuments in the United States, the Statue of Liberty has greeted millions of immigrants.

• Yes

• No

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

Trying to complete the tedious assignment by the deadline, half a dozen cups of coffee were consumed by the reporter last night.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

cups of coffee were not trying to complete the assignment. this is an error

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

Trying to complete the tedious assignment by the deadline, the reporter consumed half a dozen cups of coffee last night.

• Yes

• No

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

After finishing my homework, the dog needed to be walked.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

the dog did not finish the homework!

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

After finishing my homework, I needed to walk the dog.

• Yes

• No

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

Performing in front of a large audience for the first time, the young actor's anxiety was clear.

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

anxiety was not performig, the actor was.

Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier?

Performing in front of a large audience for the first time, the young actor was clearly anxious.

• Yes

• No

Swimming against the current, fatigue caused the surfer to begin to panic.

• fatigue caused the surfer to begin to panic

• the fatigue of the surfer caused panic

• the surfer's fatigue began to cause panic

• the surfer's fatigue caused him to panic

• the fatigued surfer began to panic

Where is the error?

After my mom (A) had suggested that I take a walk (B) and explore our new neighborhood, I discovered the (C) greatest ice cream parlor (D) wandering around the shops on Shady Lane. (E) No error

• A

• B

• C

• D

• E

Answer explanation

ice cream parlors can't wander!