30 Questions
What is the main function of a modifier in a sentence?
To describe or clarify another word or group of words
What happens when modifiers are used incorrectly?
The sentence becomes ambiguous or humorous
What is the general rule for placing modifiers in a sentence?
Modifiers should come immediately after the word or group of words they modify
What is a dangling modifier?
A modifier that has no clear word or phrase to modify
Why are introductory phrases often considered dangling modifiers?
Because they do not clearly modify the subject of the sentence
What happens when a modifier is not followed by the word it is meant to describe?
The modifier is said to dangle, and the sentence takes on unintended meaning
What is the purpose of correcting dangling modifiers in sentences?
To introduce the appropriate subject in the dangling clause
What is the function of a to-infinitive non-finite clause in a sentence?
To express purpose or intention
What is the primary difference between a verbless clause and a prepositional phrase?
The presence of a verb
Which of the following is an example of an adjectival phrase?
As a brilliant and courageous student
What is the result of changing the construction of a sentence to correct a dangling modifier?
The sentence changes from active to passive voice
How many ways are there to correct a dangling modifier in a sentence?
Three
What is the correct way to express the idea that a hawk was observed using binoculars?
As the man was using binoculars, he saw the hawk following its prey.
Which sentence structure is incorrect?
Watching television all night, my assignment was not done.
What is the correct way to express the idea that buying an electronic dictionary improved someone's composition grades?
After I bought an electronic dictionary, my composition grades improved.
Which sentence implies that the harsh grading was a result of attending college?
While I was attending college, my papers were graded harshly by some of the instructors.
What is the correct way to express the idea that a good voice is necessary to join the choir?
A good voice is necessary for you to join the choir.
What is the correct way to express the idea that Ama was emotionally moved to tears by the music?
As Ama was in an emotional state of mind, the music brought tears to her eyes.
Which sentence is in the passive voice?
Fearing exposure and arrest, the luggage was thrown into the bush nearby.
What is the purpose of the phrase 'While watching the movie' in sentence 11?
To indicate the time of the car theft
What is the function of the phrase 'Running across the playground' in sentence 14?
To describe the action that led to the books falling in the mud
What is the meaning of the phrase 'Having prepared the night before' in sentence 15?
To describe the preparation for the test
What is the purpose of the phrase 'To see in the dark' in sentence 16?
To indicate the purpose of bringing a flashlight
What is the function of the phrase 'Fearing exposure and arrest' in sentence 17?
To indicate the reason for throwing the luggage
What occurred to the luggage as the thief feared exposure and arrest?
The luggage was thrown into the nearby bush
Who discovered the Indian arrow-head while crossing the field?
John
What is required to pass CS?
Studying must be thorough
Who was impressed by the skyscrapers in NY?
Kelvin
What was the ambition of the person while still in high school?
To be a physician
What is the purpose of the exercise provided?
To identify dangling modifiers
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.
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!
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