Dangling & Misplaced Modifiers
Directions:
The following sentence contains a dangling modifier. Choose the option that best corrects the error.
While studying for the exam, the television was left on.
(A) While studying
(B) Studying
(C) While the exam was studied
(D) While she was studying
(D) While she was studying
Directions:
Choose the verb that correctly completes the sentence.
A list of required materials ___ distributed to the students.
(A) were
(B) are
(C) was
(D) have been
(C) was
Directions:
Choose the option that best clarifies the pronoun reference.
When the professor met with the student, she explained the assignment.
(A) she explained the assignment
(B) the assignment was explained
(C) the professor explained the assignment
(D) explaining the assignment
(C) the professor explained the assignment
Directions:
Choose the most concise revision.
Due to the fact that the weather was bad…
(A) Due to the fact that
(B) On account of the fact that
(C) Because of the fact that
(D) Since
(D) Since
Directions:
Choose the sentence that best combines the ideas.
The lecture was long. It was informative.
(A) The lecture was long, it was informative
(B) Being long, the lecture informative
(C) The lecture was long and informative
(D) The lecture, long and informative
(C) The lecture was long and informative
Directions:
The following sentence contains a misplaced modifier. Choose the option that best improves clarity.
The student nearly failed every exam during the semester.
(A) nearly failed every exam
(B) failed nearly every exam
(C) every exam nearly failed
(D) nearly every exam failed
(B) failed nearly every exam
Directions:
Choose the option that corrects the verb tense error.
Last year, the company expands its operations and hired new employees.
(A) expands and hired
(B) expanded and hired
(C) has expanded and hired
(D) was expanding and hires
(B) expanded and hired
Directions:
Choose the option that removes pronoun ambiguity.
The counselor told the student that they needed to improve their grades.
(A) they needed to improve their grades
(B) improving grades was necessary
(C) the student needed to improve their grades
(D) the student needed to improve his or her grades
(D) the student needed to improve his or her grades
Directions:
Choose the sentence that is most effective.
(A) It is obvious that students benefit from feedback
(B) It is clear that students benefit from feedback
(C) Students benefit from feedback
(D) There is no doubt that students benefit
(C) Students benefit from feedback
Directions:
Choose the option that fixes faulty coordination.
She completed the assignment quickly but with great accuracy.
(A) but with great accuracy
(B) and with great accuracy
(C) yet accuracy
(D) but accurate
(B) and with great accuracy
Directions:
Rewrite the sentence so that it begins with She was often asked to work late. Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence.
Being the youngest employee, she was often asked to work late.
(A) being the youngest employee
(B) by being the youngest employee
(C) because she was the youngest employee
(D) as being the youngest employee
(C) because she was the youngest employee
Directions:
Why is was distributed correct in this sentence?
A list of required materials was distributed.
(A) The verb is closer to “materials”
(B) The sentence is in present tense
(C) The subject “list” is singular
(D) “Was” sounds more formal
(C) The subject “list” is singular
Directions:
Why is the original sentence unclear?
(A) It uses passive voice
(B) The pronoun could refer to more than one noun
(C) The sentence is too long
(D) The verb tense is incorrect
(B) The pronoun could refer to more than one noun
Directions:
Why should phrases like “It is clear that” usually be removed?
(A) They are informal
(B) They weaken grammar
(C) They add words without adding meaning
(D) They change verb tense
(C) They add words without adding meaning
Directions:
Choose the correct idiomatic expression.
She is responsible ___ organizing the conference.
(A) of
(B) to
(C) for
(D) about
(C) for
Directions:
Identify the error in the following sentence.
Walking through campus, the library appeared closed.
(A) Subject–verb agreement
(B) Comma splice
(C) Dangling modifier
(D) Incorrect verb tense
(C) Dangling modifier
Directions:
Choose the sentence with correct subject–verb agreement.
(A) The group of students are meeting today
(B) The group of students is meeting today
(C) The group of students were meeting today
(D) The group of students have met today
(B) The group of students is meeting today
Directions:
Choose the sentence with the clearest pronoun reference.
(A) When Jamie talked to Alex, they were confused
(B) Jamie was confused after talking to Alex
(C) Jamie and Alex were confused when they talked
(D) Talking to Alex, Jamie was confused
(B) Jamie was confused after talking to Alex
Directions:
Choose the best revision.
At this point in time, we will begin the meeting.
(A) At this point in time, we will begin
(B) We will begin the meeting
(C) The meeting will now begin at this point
(D) It is time to begin the meeting
(B) We will begin the meeting
Directions:
Choose the sentence that avoids a comma splice.
(A) The exam was difficult, many students struggled
(B) The exam was difficult and many students struggled
(C) The exam was difficult, many struggled
(D) The exam was difficult, struggling students
(B) The exam was difficult and many students struggled
Directions:
Choose the option that best corrects the modifier error.
After finishing the assignment, the computer was turned off.
(A) After finishing the assignment, the computer was turned off
(B) Finishing the assignment, the computer was turned off
(C) After she finished the assignment, the computer was turned off
(D) The computer was turned off after finishing the assignment
(C) After she finished the assignment, the computer was turned off
Choose the sentence that maintains consistent verb tense.
(A) She studies all night and earned an A
(B) She studied all night and earned an A
(C) She studies all night and earns an A
(D) She was studying all night and earned
(B) She studied all night and earned an A
Directions:
Choose the most formal and clear revision.
Everyone forgot their notebook.
(A) Everyone forgot their notebook
(B) Everyone forgot his or her notebook
(C) Everyone forgot notebooks
(D) Everyone forgot one’s notebook
(B) Everyone forgot his or her notebook
Directions:
Which phrase is unnecessarily wordy?
(A) Because
(B) Since
(C) Due to the fact that
(D) If
(C) Due to the fact that
Directions:
Choose the correct punctuation.
After the presentation ___ the audience asked several questions.
(A) ;
(B) :
(C) ,
(D) —
(C) ,