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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of a modifier in a sentence?
What is the main function of a modifier in a sentence?
- To change the tone of the sentence
- To make the sentence longer
- To add emotion to the sentence
- To describe or clarify another word or group of words (correct)
What happens when modifiers are used incorrectly?
What happens when modifiers are used incorrectly?
- The sentence becomes more formal
- The sentence becomes more persuasive
- The sentence becomes ambiguous or humorous (correct)
- The sentence becomes more concise
What is the general rule for placing modifiers in a sentence?
What is the general rule for placing modifiers in a sentence?
- Modifiers should come at the beginning of the sentence
- Modifiers should come at the end of the sentence
- Modifiers should be placed randomly in the sentence
- Modifiers should come immediately after the word or group of words they modify (correct)
What is a dangling modifier?
What is a dangling modifier?
Why are introductory phrases often considered dangling modifiers?
Why are introductory phrases often considered dangling modifiers?
What happens when a modifier is not followed by the word it is meant to describe?
What happens when a modifier is not followed by the word it is meant to describe?
What is the purpose of correcting dangling modifiers in sentences?
What is the purpose of correcting dangling modifiers in sentences?
What is the function of a to-infinitive non-finite clause in a sentence?
What is the function of a to-infinitive non-finite clause in a sentence?
What is the primary difference between a verbless clause and a prepositional phrase?
What is the primary difference between a verbless clause and a prepositional phrase?
Which of the following is an example of an adjectival phrase?
Which of the following is an example of an adjectival phrase?
What is the result of changing the construction of a sentence to correct a dangling modifier?
What is the result of changing the construction of a sentence to correct a dangling modifier?
How many ways are there to correct a dangling modifier in a sentence?
How many ways are there to correct a dangling modifier in a sentence?
What is the correct way to express the idea that a hawk was observed using binoculars?
What is the correct way to express the idea that a hawk was observed using binoculars?
Which sentence structure is incorrect?
Which sentence structure is incorrect?
What is the correct way to express the idea that buying an electronic dictionary improved someone's composition grades?
What is the correct way to express the idea that buying an electronic dictionary improved someone's composition grades?
Which sentence implies that the harsh grading was a result of attending college?
Which sentence implies that the harsh grading was a result of attending college?
What is the correct way to express the idea that a good voice is necessary to join the choir?
What is the correct way to express the idea that a good voice is necessary to join the choir?
What is the correct way to express the idea that Ama was emotionally moved to tears by the music?
What is the correct way to express the idea that Ama was emotionally moved to tears by the music?
Which sentence is in the passive voice?
Which sentence is in the passive voice?
What is the purpose of the phrase 'While watching the movie' in sentence 11?
What is the purpose of the phrase 'While watching the movie' in sentence 11?
What is the function of the phrase 'Running across the playground' in sentence 14?
What is the function of the phrase 'Running across the playground' in sentence 14?
What is the meaning of the phrase 'Having prepared the night before' in sentence 15?
What is the meaning of the phrase 'Having prepared the night before' in sentence 15?
What is the purpose of the phrase 'To see in the dark' in sentence 16?
What is the purpose of the phrase 'To see in the dark' in sentence 16?
What is the function of the phrase 'Fearing exposure and arrest' in sentence 17?
What is the function of the phrase 'Fearing exposure and arrest' in sentence 17?
What occurred to the luggage as the thief feared exposure and arrest?
What occurred to the luggage as the thief feared exposure and arrest?
Who discovered the Indian arrow-head while crossing the field?
Who discovered the Indian arrow-head while crossing the field?
What is required to pass CS?
What is required to pass CS?
Who was impressed by the skyscrapers in NY?
Who was impressed by the skyscrapers in NY?
What was the ambition of the person while still in high school?
What was the ambition of the person while still in high school?
What is the purpose of the exercise provided?
What is the purpose of the exercise provided?
Study Notes
Modifiers
- A modifier is a word or group of words that describes, clarifies, or adds meaning to another word or group of words in a sentence.
- Modifiers can change the meaning of sentences depending on their placement.
Types of Modifier Errors
- Misplaced modifiers
- Dangling modifiers
Dangling Modifiers
- A dangling modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes something that has been left out of the sentence, usually the subject.
- Dangling modifiers are mostly introductory phrases that do not go with the subjects of the sentences.
- A modifier that opens a sentence must be followed immediately by the word it is meant to describe; otherwise, the modifier is said to be dangling.
Examples of Dangling Modifiers
- To-infinitive non-finite clauses: "To see in the dark, a flashlight was brought."
- Verbless clauses: "While in college, my ambition was to become a doctor."
- Prepositional phrases: "After graduating from the university, my life improved."
- Adjectival phrases: "As a brilliant and courageous student, her portal is always flooded with good grades."
Correcting Dangling Modifiers
- There are three ways to correct dangling modifiers:
- Introduce the appropriate subject in the dangling clause/phrase in the first part of the sentence.
- Introduce a subject at the beginning of the second part of the sentence (immediately after the first phrase/clause).
- Change the construction of the sentence, moving the second part of the sentence to the first part and vice versa (without altering the meaning).
Examples of Corrected Dangling Modifiers
- "Walking across the bridge, my money dropped in the water." -> Corrected: "A. While I was walking across the bridge, my money dropped in the water. B. Walking across the bridge, I dropped my money in the water. C. My money dropped in water while I was walking across the bridge."
- (15 more examples of corrected dangling modifiers)
Exercise
- The following sentences contain dangling modifiers. You will have to supply a subject and rewrite the sentence so that the modifying phrase is in the correct location to describe its subject.
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Description
Test your understanding of modifiers in English grammar, including types of modifier errors and how to use them correctly in sentences. Learn about misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers, and more. Improve your writing skills with this quiz!
