Modifiers (Misplaced and Dangling)

Which of these best defines a 'dangling modifier'?

• A word that describes a noun but is spelled wrong.

• A phrase that describes something, but the thing it's describing isn't actually in the sentence.

• An adjective that is too long for the sentence.

• A phrase that is placed correctly right next to the word it modifies.

Answer explanation

A dangling modifier is an introductory phrase that doesn't logically modify the subject of the main clause that follows, making the sentence confusing. The other options describe different types of errors or correct grammar.

True or False: In a clear sentence, a modifier should be placed as close as possible to the word it is supposed to describe.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is the fundamental rule for placing modifiers. Placing a modifier far from the word it describes can create confusion and lead to a misplaced modifier.

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier, making it sound a little silly?

• My cousin with the curly hair loves to skateboard.

• We saw a deer on the way to school this morning.

• Leo gave the dog a treat that was shaped like a bone.

• He bought a bike for his sister with red stripes.

Answer explanation

This sentence has a misplaced modifier because 'with red stripes' is describing the sister, not the bike. The modifier should be placed next to 'bike' to be clear.

True or False: The sentence 'Hoping to get a good grade, the test was studied for all night' contains a dangling modifier.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is a dangling modifier because the introductory phrase 'Hoping to get a good grade' has nothing to logically describe. The test itself cannot hope for a good grade.

Complete the sentence to correctly fix the dangling modifier: After finishing my homework, ___________.

• the TV was turned on

• my dog wanted to play fetch

• I decided to watch a movie

• a slice of pizza sounded good

Answer explanation

The introductory phrase 'After finishing my homework' needs to modify the person who did the homework. 'I' is the only subject in the options that can logically perform that action.

Which of the following is the BEST way to rewrite this sentence? 'The students read a story about dinosaurs in their history books.'

• In their history books, the students read a story about dinosaurs.

• The students read a story in their history books about dinosaurs.

• A story about dinosaurs was read by the students in their history books.

• The sentence is already correct and clear.

Answer explanation

The original sentence is confusing because it sounds like the dinosaurs are in the history books. Moving the phrase 'in their history books' to the beginning clarifies that it's where the students were reading.

True or False: The following sentence is grammatically correct and clear: 'The girl served cookies to her friends on paper plates.'

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This sentence contains a misplaced modifier. It incorrectly suggests that the friends are on paper plates. The phrase 'on paper plates' should be moved to describe the cookies.

Complete the sentence to avoid a misplaced modifier: The librarian put the book ____________.

• on the shelf that was about aliens

• that was about aliens on the shelf

• on the shelf which it was about aliens

• being about aliens on the shelf

Answer explanation

The modifying clause 'that was about aliens' must be placed directly after 'the book,' which it describes. The other options create confusion by separating the modifier from its target.

Choose the best way to fix the error in this sentence: 'Covered in ketchup, I ate the french fry.'

• I, covered in ketchup, ate the french fry.

• The french fry was eaten by me covered in ketchup.

• I ate the french fry that was covered in ketchup.

• The sentence is correct as is.

Answer explanation

The original sentence has a dangling modifier, suggesting that 'I' was covered in ketchup. The correct revision clarifies that the french fry was the one covered in ketchup.

Complete the sentence with the clearest modifier placement: The boy ______________ won the race.

• won the race in the blue shorts

• in the blue shorts won the race

• won the race who was in the blue shorts

• in the blue shorts, he won the race

Answer explanation

The phrase 'in the blue shorts' must come directly after 'the boy' to make it clear who is being described. The other options separate the modifier from the noun it modifies, making them awkward.