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WorksheetsFragments/Run-Ons, Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Total questions: 100
Worksheet time: 3hrs 30mins
A word or phrase that is misplaced and changes the meaning or purpose of the sentence.
Dangling Modifier
Misplaced Modifier
Verbs
Participles
A type of modifying phrase that has no clear or logical subject.
Misplaced Modifier
Subordinate Clause
Dangling Modifier
Verbal Phrase
Identify the modifying phrase:
Waking in the night, the fire engine could be heard.
Waking in the night
Waking
could be heard
the fire engine
Identify the modifying phrase:
Covered in cream sauce, my husband loves chicken alfredo.
my husband loves
Covered in cream sauce
chicken alfredo
cream sauce
To fix a misplaced modifier, relocate it as close to the _____ it is supposed to modify.
adjective
preposition
noun
verb
What kind of modifier problem does this sentence have?
The car on the bridge which is green is mine.
Dangling Modifier
Misplaced Modifier
Correct
What kind of modifier problem does this sentence have?
At the age of three, my mother sang hymns.
Dangling Modifier
Misplaced Modifier
Correct
What kind of modifier problem does this sentence have?
We were told the movie would begin at 7:00 pm.
Dangling Modifier
Misplaced Modifier
Correct
Choose the corrected sentence below:
The young lady was walking the dog on the cell phone.
The dog was walking the young lady on the phone.
The young lady on the phone was walking the dog.
Choose the sentence with the corrected misplaced modifier:
She almost needed one day to complete the assignment.
She needed one day to almost complete the assignment.
She needed almost one day to complete the assignment.
Choose the sentence with the corrected misplaced modifier:
My friend took me for a ride after showering and shaving.
After showering and shaving, my friend took me for a ride.
My friend took me showering and shaving for a ride.
Choose the corrected dangling modifier sentence below:
Expecting rain, the umbrella was propped up against the wall.
Bob, expecting rain, propped his umbrella up against the wall.
The umbrella was expecting rain so Bob propped it up against the wall.
Choose the corrected dangling modifier sentence:
Riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by quickly.
The world whizzed by quickly, riding in the sports car.
While Joe was riding in the sports car, the world whizzed by quickly.
Choose the corrected dangling modifier sentence:
Running across the park, the paddle boats on the lake appeared to be floating.
The paddle boats running across the park appeared to be floating on the lake.
While we were running across the park, we saw paddle boats on the lake that appeared to be floating.
Choose the corrected misplaced modifier sentence:
Dressed in a flowing gown, everyone watched the celebrity enter the room.
Everyone watched the celebrity dressed in a flowing gown enter the room.
Dressed in a flowing gown, everyone watched.
Choose the correct term for the definition: Two complete thoughts squashed together without using a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation (period or semi-colon).
Complex Sentence
Compound Sentence
Fragmented Sentence
Run-On Sentence
To fix a RUN-ON SENTENCE, the writer can include a:
Modifier.
Subordinating conjunction.
Coordinating conjunction and capitalization of the subject.
FANBOY or proper punctuation like a semi-colon or period.
Examples of PREPOSITIONS are:
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally
If, Even though, Unless, Until, Before, Although
In, At, On, Of, To
Select the correct definition for the term MODIFIERS
Words that join two independent clauses together to make a compound sentence.
Words that make a sentence more descriptive or detailed.
Words that are considered subordinating conjunctions.
Words that are spelled the same backwards and forwards.
True for False: Modifiers can not be phrases.
TRUE
FALSE
The 3 types of modifiers are:
Modifying Words, Modifying Clauses, Modifying Phrases
Modifying Adjectives, Modifying Nouns, Modifying Verbs
Modifying Sentences, Modifying Run-Ons, Modifying Fragments
Complex Modifiers, Simple Modifiers, Compound Complex modifiers
A phrase or clause that modifies something that is not even in the sentence is a:
Dangling Modifier
Misplaced Modifier
Dependent Clause
Fragment Sentence
Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?
My friend bravely took photos of the active volcano while it was spitting out hot lava.
While the active volcano was spitting out hot lava, my friend was brave enough to take photos.
Spitting out hot lava, my friend bravely took photos of the active volcano.
Even though the volcano was spitting out hot lava, my brave friend took photos.
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
With a smile, she accepted the ring.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
I returned the shirt to the store that my mother gave me.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
Driving home very late at night, the lines in the road became blurs.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
Tired and dirty, Ralph asked for more time to finish the job.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
Since failing the first test, I have studied harder.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
Catching the pass on the run, the fans cheered when he scored.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
Sandra had her photographs blown up in an envelope.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
The clerk asked for the money with a frown.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
Soaked in sweat, Sam was hot and thirsty.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
Identify whether the sentence contains Misplaced modifier or Dangling modifier. If there is no error in the sentence, choose CORRECT.
Hanging on the wall, I read his diploma.
Misplaced
Dangling
Correct
A modifier is called "misplaced" when:
it is placed too close to the word it modifies
it is placed too far away from the word it modifies
To fix a misplaced modifier, you should
move it closer to the word it modifies
move it away from the word it modifies
A "dangling modifier" refers to (or modifies) a word:
that is clearly stated in the sentence
that might not be included in the sentence
Which of these is clearest?
Upon entering the doctor's office, a skeleton caught my attention.
A skeleton caught my attention as I entered the doctor's office.
Which of these is clearest?
While walking down the street, I saw an accident.
I saw an accident walking down the street.
Which of these shows a dangling modifier?
Scientists found the crabs using a remotely operated submersible.
Using a remotely operated submersible, scientists found the crabs.
Both A and B.
Neither A or B.
Which of these shows a misplaced modifier (not dangling)?
Running around on his little hamster wheel, Albert watched his playful pet.
The young lady was walking the dog on the telephone.
Which of these is better English?
I was unable to identify the building because it was completely engulfed in flames.
Completely engulfed in flames, I was unable to identify the building.
"The old patient was referred to the Chinese physician with stomach pains." Which word or phrase is the misplaced modifier?
old patient
Chinese
with stomach pains
physician
"The old patient was referred to the Chinese physician in Toronto with stomach pains." Which word should "with stomach pains" modify?
physician
patient
Toronto
pains
"Running for the bus, my book fell in the mud." This is an example of:
misplaced modifier
dangling modifier
modeling danglifier
To fix a dangling modifier you are allowed to:
omit the dangling modifier completely
change some words in the sentence so it makes sense
"Yesterday I shot an elephant in my pyjamas" This is an example of:
dangling modifier
misplaced modifier (not dangling)
a Dad joke
"The salesman sold the picture to the short woman in the silver frame." A correct version is:
The salesman sold the silver picture to the short framed woman.
The salesman sold the framed picture to the short silver woman.
The silver salesman sold the picture to the short framed woman.
The salesman sold the picture in the silver frame to the short woman.
Dangling modifiers are often found:
beside the word or phrase they modify
at the beginning of sentences
"Joe searched for someone to teach him how to play the guitar without success." What is the word that needs to be (should be) modified by the misplaced modifier?
Joe
someone
guitar
searched
To fix a sentence with a misplaced modifier, you are allowed to:
split the sentence into two sentences
split the modifier into two different words
replace the modifier with the modified word
"As a world famous transgender, my father was eager to interview Caitlyn Jenner." This an an example of:
misplaced modifier
dangling modifier at beginning of sentence
dangling modifier was already fixed
"David struck down Goliath fighting against a giant." Pick the correct rewrite(s) (may be more than one):
David, fighting against a giant, struck down Goliath.
David struck down fighting against a giant Goliath.
Fighting against a giant, David struck down Goliath.
The reason you correct misplaced modifiers is to:
make the sentence clearer
make the sentence ambiguous
make the teacher happy
My great-grandfather fancied himself quite an inventor on my mother's side of the family.
Assuming correct capitalization and punctuation, the underlined portion should be placed:
NO CHANGE
after fancied
after himself
after great-grandfather
As a young man, the radio was a new invention.
NO CHANGE
The radio was a new invention as a young man.
As a young man the radio was a new invention
When he was a young man, the radio was a new invention.
Great-grandfather Seth would talk over his ideas with cows doing his chores.
Assuming correct capitalization and punctuation, the underlined portion should be placed:
NO CHANGE
before Great-grandfather
after ideas
after over
Pounding and hammering, the night was filled with loud sounds.
NO CHANGE
Pounded and hammered,
He pounded and hammered,
As he was pounding and hammering,
Finally, covered with dirt and hay, the barn door opened to reveal a triumphant Seth.
Assuming correct capitalization and punctuation, the underlined portion should be placed:
NO CHANGE
after door
after opened
after Seth
Gleaming through the dusty haze, he pointed to his new invention.
Assuming correct capitalization and punctuation, the underlined portion should be placed:
at the end of the sentence
after pointed
after his
after new
Sir George Cayley invented the first successful glider, but he was not the first to fly it. After he designed several experimental models, Cayley's coachman was chosen to be the first glider pilot.
NO CHANGE
the coachman of Cayley was chosen by Cayley
a coachman, a driver of a horse-drawn carriage, was picked
Cayley chose his coachman
The coachman was persuaded to get into the glider at the top of the hill with soothing words.
Assuming correct capitalization and punctuation, the underlined portion should be placed:
NO CHANGE
after persuaded
after top
after glider
Once inside the glider, Cayley gave the machine a hard shove.
NO CHANGE
Once he was inside the glider,
Once the coachman was inside the glider,
After Cayley got inside the glider,
Rolling down the hill at perhaps 25 miles per hour, Cayley watched the machine take off.
NO CHANGE
It rolled down the hill at perhaps 25 miles per hour, Cayley watched the machine take off.
The plane rolled down the hill at perhaps 25 miles per hour Cayley watched the machine take off.
Cayley watched the machine take off rolling down the hill at perhaps 25 miles per hour.
Getting out of the glider, Cayley saw him trembling.
NO CHANGE
As he got out of the glider,
As the coachman got out of the glider,
The coachman got out of the glider,
The coachman immediately quit his job catching his breath.
Assuming correct capitalization and punctuation, the underlined portion should be placed:
NO CHANGE
before The
after immediately
after quit
What are the three ways to fix a run-on?
Comma, Semicolon, and Period.
Comma, Colon, and period.
Comma, Conjunction, and Semicolon.
Comma + Conjunction, Semicolon, and Period.
What error is demonstrated below:
Natasha asked for help on her homework no one helped her.
Run-on: Fused Sentence
Run-on: Comma Splice
Fragment: Missing complete thought
Fragment: Missing verb and complete thought
What is wrong with the sentence below:
Even though I didn't study I still passed.
It is missing a semicolon after the word "study."
It is missing a comma + conjunction after the word "study."
It is missing a comma after the word "study."
Trick question! nothing is wrong with the sentence.
What is wrong with the following sentence:
Lisa has a dog named Giggy, he is a small pomeranian.
Run-on: Fused Sentence
Run-on: Comma Splice
Fragment: Missing complete thought.
Fragment: Missing Subject + Verb
The results of the study were inconclusive.
Fragment
Run-on
Complete sentence.
Which of the following options is NOT a way to fix the sentence below:
Listen Lynda, it is my job to wash the dog it is your job to scoop the poop.
Listen Lynda, it is my job to wash the dog; it is your job to scoop the poop.
Listen Lynda, it is my job to wash the dog, and it is your job to scoop the poop.
Listen Lynda, it is my job to wash the dog. It is your job to scoop the poop.
Listen Lynda, it is my job to wash the dog, it is your job to scoop the poop.
My dog, Angel, barks at squirrels in the front yard.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
Angel, who is part greyhound and part rottweiler.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
After owning Angel for eight years, we got another dog, her name was Elsa.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
Elsa, who is a puppy, does not enjoy taking baths.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
Although she hated taking a bath, but she loved playing in the rain.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
Elsa licking Angel all over her face.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
Angel would become angry
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
Because the puppy would never leave her alone, Angel, who would growl and snap at her.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
At first Angel avoided her, soon she started to enjoy the puppy's presence.
Sentence
Fragment
Run-on
True or false?
A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes a word or makes its meaning more specific.
True
False
Modifiers function as:
adjectives or adverbs.
conjunctions or prepositions.
Is the sentence below written correctly?
Covered in wildflowers, the elephant pondered the hillside's beauty.
Yes, the sentence is correct.
No, the sentence has a misplaced modifier.
What is a fused sentence?
When a sentence has the word "fuse" in it
A fused sentence is another word for a fragment
When two independent clauses are joined together without any punctuation
What is a fragment?
A group of words in alphabetical order
Two complete sentences that are joined together incorrectly
A group of words that is missing a subject or a verb or a complete thought
What is a comma splice?
When commas are used correctly in a sentence
Commas that are used to separate items in a series
When two independent clauses are joined together by only a comma
After seeing the doctor, Eli has decided to quit smoking it is bad for his health.
Martin needs to buy eggs, milk, and cheese at the store she is making breakfast for her kids tomorrow.
A child who feels secure at home will develop a positive character, for example, a child who is loved at home will do better in school, both academically and socially.
In today’s modern industrialized world, we can have a wonderful material life, money can seem to buy everything we want, but our heart still lacks something.
Stephen signed up for the team because he thought it would be a good way to spend his time.
sentence
fragment
run-on
