Modifiers
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Review: Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Indicate whether each sentence does or does not contain a misplaced modifier or a dangling modifier.


  1. Flashing a huge grin, Ralph apologised for being late and then handed his grandmother a bouquet of lilacs.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  2. The surgeon was able to quickly and painlessly remove the stitches from Greta's forehead.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  3. After gathering wild flowers all summer and pressing them between the pages of a heavy book, the dried petals were ready for Teresa to make greeting cards to sell at the fair.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  4. We had almost watched the entire movie when suddenly the person behind us blurted out, "The doctor did it!"

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  5. Before buying a new stereo, you should carefully consider what you need and what you can afford.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  6. I heard that he got married to a countess with a vast fortune in a small church in Italy.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  7. Covered with bowls of strawberries, plates of bread and cheese, trays of squares and cookies, and huge frosted cakes, the OK Dance Club had organised a magnificent tea.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  8. After borrowing from all his friends, he had barely enough money to pay his rent.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  9. To succeed in the engineering field, some technical writing ability is a definite asset.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

  10. My best friend is starting a weight-gaining regime in two weeks of five meals a day.

    1. This sentence contains a misplaced modifier.
    2. This sentence does not contain a misplaced modifier.

 

Written by Frances Peck

 

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Last updated: 2007.08.16