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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > English Language Arts

Master Dangling Modifiers with Our Practice Quiz

Boost your grammar skills with engaging questions

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 9
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art for trivia on Dangling Modifier Mayhem quiz for high school English students.

Which of the following sentences contains a dangling modifier?
Walking through the park, the trees looked magnificent.
While walking through the park, she admired the magnificent trees.
She walked through the park to admire the magnificent trees.
The trees looked magnificent as she walked through the park.
Option A contains a dangling modifier because it suggests that the trees, rather than a person, are doing the walking. This misplaced descriptor creates ambiguity about the intended subject.
What is a dangling modifier?
A word or phrase that modifies a subject it is not clearly or logically related to.
An adverb that is used at the end of a sentence.
A subject that is missing from a sentence.
A type of sentence with no punctuation.
Option A is the correct definition of a dangling modifier. It occurs when a modifying phrase doesn't clearly refer to any specific noun or pronoun, causing ambiguity.
In the sentence 'After reading the book, the movie was more interesting,' what is the error?
The sentence has a dangling modifier by lacking a clear subject for 'After reading the book'.
The sentence is a run-on sentence.
There is incorrect punctuation.
The verb tense is incorrect.
Option A identifies that the introductory phrase does not clearly modify any subject, resulting in a dangling modifier. The sentence should be revised to assign the action to an appropriate subject.
Which revision eliminates the dangling modifier in the sentence: 'Driving past the house, the garden impressed me'?
Driving past the house, I was impressed by the garden.
Driving past the house, the garden was impressive.
The garden impressed me while driving past the house.
I drove past the house and saw the impressive garden.
Option A assigns the action clearly to 'I', thereby eliminating the dangling modifier. This revision clarifies who is performing the action and corrects the ambiguity.
Identify the misplaced modifier in the sentence: 'She nearly walked three miles every day.'
The word 'nearly' is misplaced and causes ambiguity.
The word 'walked' is incorrect.
The number 'three' is confusing.
The phrase 'every day' is incorrect.
Option A correctly identifies the ambiguity caused by the placement of 'nearly'. The modifier's improper position blurs the intended meaning, so repositioning it is necessary for clarity.
Which sentence best revises the dangling modifier in 'After studying all night, the exam was passed by John'?
John passed the exam after studying all night.
After studying all night, the exam was passed by John.
The exam was passed by John after all night of studying.
After studying all night the exam was easily passed by John.
Option A reorders the sentence to clearly assign the action to John, eliminating the dangling modifier. This revision makes the sentence logical and unambiguous.
Which sentence is free of dangling modifiers?
To finish the assignment, the instructions were read carefully.
To finish the assignment, Sarah read the instructions carefully.
The instructions were read carefully to finish the assignment.
Finishing the assignment, the instructions were essential.
Option B correctly assigns the introductory phrase to a clear subject, Sarah. This clear relationship prevents the creation of a dangling modifier.
In the sentence 'Flying high, the plane seemed to nearly touch the clouds,' what change best avoids a misplaced modifier?
Reorder the sentence to 'The plane, flying high, seemed to nearly touch the clouds.'
Remove the word 'high' altogether.
Change 'flying' to 'soaring'.
Place 'nearly' after 'the plane'.
Option A corrects the sentence by ensuring the modifier 'flying high' clearly refers to 'the plane'. This reordering removes ambiguity about the subject performing the action.
Identify the dangling modifier in the sentence: 'Hiking the trail, the view was breathtaking.'
'Hiking the trail' is a dangling modifier because it does not refer to the subject.
'The view was breathtaking' is the dangling element.
There is no dangling modifier in the sentence.
'Breathtaking' is an incorrect modifier.
Option A is correct because the introductory phrase should logically refer to a person who is hiking, not to 'the view'. This results in a dangling modifier that must be corrected.
Which sentence revision best corrects the dangling modifier in 'Excited by the match, the team celebrated the victory'?
Excited by the match, the fans celebrated the team's victory.
The team, excited by the match, celebrated their victory.
The match excited the team, so the victory was celebrated.
Because of the match, the victory was exciting to the team.
Option B correctly aligns the introductory modifier with the noun 'the team'. This clear association removes the ambiguity and corrects the dangling nature of the original sentence.
In the sentence 'After reading the book, the theme was clear,' which revision best addresses the dangling modifier?
After reading the book, the theme was clear to everyone.
After reading the book, I found the theme clear.
Reading the book, the theme became clear.
As the book was read, the theme was clear.
Option B resolves the dangling modifier by introducing a clear subject ('I') to attribute the action of reading. This revision clarifies who experienced the result, removing ambiguity from the sentence.
Which modification best improves the sentence to address the dangling modifier: 'While waiting for the bus, a friendly dog approached the stranger'?
While waiting for the bus, the stranger was approached by a friendly dog.
While the stranger was waiting for the bus, a friendly dog approached him.
A friendly dog approached the stranger while waiting for the bus.
The stranger, waiting for the bus, saw a friendly dog approach.
Option B attaches the introductory modifier to the correct subject by specifying that the stranger was waiting for the bus. This clear subject linkage successfully resolves the dangling modifier issue.
Identify the error in the sentence: 'Running late, the meeting started without the host.'
The modifier 'Running late' is incorrectly applied to 'the meeting'.
The error is a tense error in 'started'.
The error is in the lack of punctuation.
There is no error in the sentence.
Option A correctly identifies that the phrase 'Running late' should describe a person, not 'the meeting'. This misalignment creates a dangling modifier which confuses the intended meaning.
Which strategy helps avoid dangling modifiers during sentence revision?
Ensure that introductory phrases refer clearly to the action's doer.
Add more adjectives to the sentence.
Always use passive voice in descriptive sentences.
Place modifiers at the end of the sentence.
Option A is the most effective strategy because it guarantees that introductory phrases have a clear and appropriate subject. This approach prevents the creation of dangling modifiers.
Which option best revises the sentence to eliminate the dangling modifier: 'Given the opportunity, the decision was made quickly.'?
Given the opportunity, her decision was made quickly.
Given the opportunity, we made the decision quickly.
The decision was quickly made, given the opportunity.
We were given the opportunity and quickly made the decision.
Option B corrects the dangling modifier by introducing a clear subject ('we') for the action. This revision clearly links the introductory phrase to the subject, thus eliminating ambiguity.
Analyze the sentence 'While operating the machine, the error occurred frequently' and determine the flaw and best revision.
The sentence erroneously implies that the machine is operating itself; a better revision is 'While operating the machine, he frequently encountered errors.'
The error is in word choice, and a revision is unnecessary.
The sentence should remove the phrase 'operating the machine' entirely.
It is a run-on sentence; revise it by splitting into two sentences.
Option A correctly identifies that the introductory phrase wrongly suggests the machine is acting on its own. By assigning the action to a clear subject, the revision eliminates the dangling modifier and clarifies the intended meaning.
In the sentence 'Shaking with fear, the door slowly creaked open,' what is the issue and how might you correct it?
The description 'Shaking with fear' incorrectly suggests that the door is fearful; it should be revised to 'Shaking with fear, she watched as the door slowly creaked open.'
The problem is with the adverb 'slowly' and not the modifier.
The sentence is acceptable as written.
The error is in subject-verb agreement and should be rewritten entirely.
Option A identifies that the introductory modifier mistakenly describes the door instead of a person. The correction assigns the action to a clear subject, thereby resolving the dangling modifier.
Consider the sentence: 'Walking through the market, a sense of nostalgia overwhelmed her.' Identify the dangling modifier and select the best correction.
'Walking through the market' should modify someone; the best revision is 'Walking through the market, she was overwhelmed by a sense of nostalgia.'
There is no dangling modifier; the sentence is correct.
'A sense of nostalgia' should be placed at the beginning.
Change 'walking' to 'strolling' to fix the modifier.
Option A correctly points out that the introductory phrase needs a clear subject. The revision assigns the phrase to 'she', thereby eliminating the dangling modifier and clarifying the sentence.
Examine the sentence 'After completing the research, the conclusions were presented' and choose the revision that best addresses the dangling modifier issue.
After completing the research, the conclusions were presented.
After completing the research, the researcher presented the conclusions.
The conclusions, after completing the research, were presented.
The research was completed after the conclusions were presented.
Option B resolves the dangling modifier by introducing a clear subject ('the researcher'). This revision clarifies who completed the research and presented the conclusions, thereby fixing the error.
Which sentence best demonstrates an advanced understanding of modifier placement by correctly avoiding dangling modifiers?
Intrigued by the vivid colors, the artist mixed the paints meticulously.
Intrigued by the vivid colors, the paintings were admired in the gallery.
The artist mixed the paints intriguingly, with vivid colors admired.
In the gallery, the vivid colors mixed the paints that intrigued the artist.
Option A correctly positions the modifier 'Intrigued by the vivid colors' next to 'the artist', ensuring the descriptive phrase modifies the intended subject. This clear modifier placement demonstrates advanced understanding of avoiding dangling modifiers.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze sentences to identify misplaced or dangling modifiers.
  2. Correct sentence structure by repositioning or revising modifiers.
  3. Apply grammar rules to enhance clarity in writing.
  4. Evaluate sentence coherence by recognizing and addressing modifier issues.

Dangling Modifier Quiz - Exam Review Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand what dangling modifiers are - A dangling modifier is a descriptive phrase that doesn't clearly attach to the word it's meant to modify, creating confusion or even unintended humor. Spotting these wobbly phrases is the first step toward crisp, clear writing that actually says what you mean. Purdue OWL: Dangling Modifiers
  2. Spot them at the sentence's start - Dangling modifiers often show up in the opening of a sentence as participial phrases (those -ing or -ed starters). When the subject that should follow is missing or misplaced, readers are left wondering who's doing what. Kent State: Dangling Modifiers
  3. Recognize the missing doer - One of the biggest culprits behind dangling modifiers is simply leaving out the person or thing performing the action. Without naming the doer, your modifier floats without a clear anchor. Grammarly: Eliminating Dangling Modifiers
  4. Correct by naming the subject - The cure for a dangling modifier is to add or move the proper subject into the main clause. This grounds your descriptive phrase and tightens up your sentence structure. Purdue OWL: Correcting Danglers
  5. Turn fragments into full clauses - Practice rewriting your introductory phrase into a complete clause that includes the actor. This not only fixes the wedge but also enhances reader engagement. Kent State: Revising Techniques
  6. Watch out for unintentional comedy - Danglers can cause hilarious mental images, like books doing the reading or cars getting a flat tire all by themselves. While funny, these slip-ups detract from your credibility. Wikipedia: Dangling Modifier
  7. Learn that non-participial modifiers dangle too - It's not just -ing or -ed phrases; any descriptive element can dangle if it lacks a clear noun or pronoun to modify. Get in the habit of checking every modifier for a proper target. Wikipedia: Broader Dangler Types
  8. Identify squinting modifiers - A squinting modifier sits in the middle of a sentence and could lean left or right, making it unclear exactly what it's describing. Pinpoint its target or reposition it to avoid reader confusion. Kent State: Squinting Modifiers
  9. Use smart rearrangements - To fix dangling modifiers, try inserting the missing subject into the phrase or reorganizing your sentence so the modifier naturally fits next to its noun. Experiment with both methods for maximum clarity. MasterClass: Fixing Danglers
  10. Practice for precision - Regularly hunt down and correct dangling modifiers in your own writing. With each edited sentence, you'll boost readability and polish your prose like a grammar ninja. Grammarly: Practice Exercises
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