Modifier Problems Quiz

Read the sentence below and choose the answer that identifies the modifier problem: While I was scuba diving in the ocean, a jellyfish stung me.

• Misplaced modifier

• Dangling modifier

• Correct

Answer explanation

The sentence contains a dangling modifier because it suggests that the jellyfish was scuba diving, rather than the speaker. The modifier "While I was scuba diving in the ocean" should clearly refer to the subject performing the action.

Which answer choice explains the mistake in the sentence below? While washing his brother’s car, a scratch was discovered on the bumper.

• This is a misplaced modifier because it sounds like the scratch washed the brother’s car. Move the modifier after the verb ‘was discovered’.

• This is a dangling modifier because it sounds like the scratch washed his brother’s car. The target word the modifier describes is not there.

Answer explanation

The correct choice identifies the error as a dangling modifier, suggesting that the sentence implies the scratch washed the car. The modifier lacks a clear subject, making it unclear what action is being described.

Admiring the view from the mountaintop, the sunset glowed orange and red across the horizon.

• This sentence has a misplaced modifier because “admiring the view from the mountaintop” is too far away from the target it modifies.

• This sentence has a dangling modifier because the subject is missing and it is not clear who is “viewing the view from the mountaintop.”

Answer explanation

This sentence has a dangling modifier because it lacks a clear subject. It is unclear who is "admiring the view from the mountaintop," making the modifier ambiguous.

What type of words do modifiers act as in a sentence? Choose all that apply.

• Adverbs

• Adjectives

• Pronouns

• Nouns

Answer explanation

Modifiers in a sentence act as adverbs and adjectives. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, while adjectives modify nouns. Pronouns and nouns do not serve as modifiers.

A dangling modifier occurs when a modifier in a sentence is ______________ the target word or subject it is describing.

• “close to”

• “missing”

• “describing”

• “Far away from”

Answer explanation

A dangling modifier occurs when a modifier is 'far away from' the word or subject it is meant to describe, leading to confusion. The correct choice highlights this distance, which causes the modifier to misalign with its intended target.

Misplaced modifiers__________________________.

• Are more confusing than dangling modifiers

• Do not have a target or subject to modify in a sentence.

• Add description to sentences

• Do not clearly associate with the words or phrases they modify.

Answer explanation

Misplaced modifiers do not clearly associate with the words or phrases they modify, leading to confusion in meaning. This distinguishes them from other types of modifiers, making the correct choice the one that highlights this lack of clarity.

Which of the following is true about misplaced modifiers? Select all that apply.

• They do not need to be fixed

• They are too far from the word that they modify

• They lead to reader/ audience confusion.

• They add description to help the reader visualize.

Answer explanation

Misplaced modifiers are phrases that are too far from the words they modify, causing confusion for the reader. They do not enhance clarity or visualization, making the second and third options correct.

What is the modifier issue for the sentence below? We discovered an Italian bakery that just opened a few miles down the from our house.

• Misplaced modifier

• Dangling modifier

Answer explanation

The sentence contains a misplaced modifier. The phrase 'that just opened' incorrectly modifies 'bakery' instead of indicating when the bakery opened. It should clarify that the bakery is new, not the act of discovering it.

Which sentence is written the MOST clearly and correctly?

• In the small red plastic cup, the children were served lemonade.

• He served lemonade to the children in small red cups.

• He served lemonade in small red plastic cups to the children.

• He served in small red cups lemonade to the children.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'He served lemonade to the children in small red cups.' is the clearest and most grammatically correct. It clearly states the action and the objects involved without awkward phrasing.

Select the best choice below to correct the following sentence: The child playing on the jungle gym with fuzzy orange hair is my nephew.

• Delete “the child playing.”

• Add “green” before “jungle gym.”

• Move “with fuzzy orange hair” to after “child.”

• No changes are necessary.

Answer explanation

Moving "with fuzzy orange hair" after "child" clarifies that it describes the child, improving sentence structure and readability. The other options do not enhance the sentence as effectively.