Dangling and misplaced modifiers dangling modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. Misplaced modifiers a misplaced modifier is a modifying word, phrase, or clause that does not point clearly and directly to what it is supposed to modify. Misplacedanddanglingmodifiers 1 misplaced and dangling modifiers a misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word or clause it modifies or describes. Dangling modifiers with answer key teacher worksheets. A modifier is a word, phrase or clause that modifies or describes another word, and this quizworksheet combo will help you test your understanding of them. Adding who threw the party corrects the problem of the dangling modifier. Disgusted by greasy cafeteria food, my lunch consisted of a salad and an apple. When you are finished, click on the check my work button at the bottom of the page to view the correct answers. Dangling modifiers in scientific writing a dangling modifier is a modifying phrase whose implicit subject does not match the explicit subject of the clause it modifies. Rewrite the following sentences to repair any dangling modifiers. In these cases, the correct answer usually rewrites the sentence to eliminate the faulty modifier entirely, so its difficult to anticipate what the correct choice will be. Misplaced modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that are separated from the word they modify.
A misplaced modifier is an adjective or adverb that is out of position. A dangling modifier as a misplaced modifier eries public schools. When defrosted, marinate meat for half an hour, and then you are ready to grill. A participial phrase is said to be dangling when the noun it is intended to modify is missing from the sentence. Similarly a modifier is said to be misplaced when it is separated from the word it modifies. A misplaced modifier does not link clearly to what it is meant to modify. One sentence of each pair contains a dangling modifier. Dangling modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. Modifiers multiple choice questions or quiz or test choose the most suitable answer that identifies either dangling or misplaced modifier in the sentence. A dangling modifier can be fixed in a number of ways. Pdf learning proper grammar and usage rules for the english language can be a. Start studying brooksen grammar misplaceddangling modifiers 3. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website.
In the following sentences, identify and correct the misplaced and dangling modifiers. As you can see from the following examples, the sentences should be. When they are out of place, the sentence will be awkward or confusing. Dangling participles a dangling modifier is also called a dangling participle if it contains a present participle e. Label whether the sentence is a misplaced modifier m, a dangling modifier d or correct. Edit the following sentences to eliminate such errors. Disgusted by greasy cafeteria food, i brought a salad and an apple for. This combination of quiz and worksheet will help gauge what you know about dangling modifiers and how to use context to fix them. Worksheet 1 explains the concept of dangling and misplaced modifiers. Choose the option that has no misplaced or dangling modifier. Keep in mind everything you know about dangling and misplaced modifiers.
Click the link below to download the free pdf worksheet. Swing from a dangling participle quiz 10 questions. Dangling modifiers a dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that either modifies no word in the sentence or refers to the wrong word. Our online dangling modifier trivia quizzes can be adapted to suit your requirements for taking some of the top dangling modifier quizzes. Violations of this rule are called dangling participles a form of dangling modifier, because the subject does not support the.
Once seated by a hostess, menus would be given to the guests. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that modifies a word not clearly. A dangling modifier is misplaced because it does not have anything to modify. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though they can also appear at a sentences end. Because of this separation, the meaning of the sentence is often awkward, ridiculous, illogical, or confusing. A dangling modifier fails to refer logically to any word in the sentence. The waitress served gilbert a plate of gray meatloaf sauced with lumpy gravy.
This is a practice quiz over problems with modifiers. Misplaced and dangling modifiers exercise 1 grammar bytes. Drooling in anticipation of the treat, sylvia rewarded gizmo with a dog cookie. Sitting in the dentists chair, the sound ofthe drill made larry sweat. It is also called a dangling participle, hanging modifier, floater, floating modifier, or misrelated participle. Both adults and teenagers have the privilege of earning their drivers licenses before driving for the first time, drivers education classes are important when learning to drive, one must be very cautious and alert after getting a drivers license, all drivers must remain. Drooling in anticipation of the treat, gizmo waited for sylvia to reward him with. Having finished the assignment, jill turned on the tv. A dangling modifier is a modifying phrase whose implicit subject does not match the explicit subject of the clause it modifies. Thus, studying the unappetizing plate of food has no target to modify. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence.
Displaying top 8 worksheets found for misplaced modifier. Dangling modifiers cause the sentence to lack coherence. Select the sentence that uses the modifier correctly. When a sentence includes a participial phrase one that includes a participle, or a verb that modifies a noun or a noun phrase the subject of the sentence must directly relate to the action in the phrase. We, coming home from the market, saw a terrible accident. So, an adjective or an adverb are modifiers because they change the meaning or add detail to another word or words as in the tin man and the cowardly lion. A dangling modifier is an introductory word groupparticiple, gerund, infinitive, or elliptical clausethat does not refer logically to the noun or pronoun that follows it. Quiz the elusive dangling modifier grammar pecks english. The word or words a dangling modifier should modify have been omitted from the sentence. The best solution is to make sure that the right subject starts the main clause.
Dangling modifiers worksheet draw one line under the dangling modifier in each of the following sentences. You may also see dangling modifier questions presented with both the modifier and part, or all, of the main clause underlined, though this configuration is much less common. Dangling participles and other misplaced modifiers will challenge you here. Determine whether the sentences below contain misplaced or dangling modifiers. Check your answers with the interactive version of the exercise. Some of the worksheets for this concept are dangling and misplaced modifiers, misplaced modifiers, 7 misplaced and dangling modifiers, grammar work misplaced and dangling participles, name date misplaced and dangling m e 1, misplaced modifiers, misplaced modifiers introductory project, name date misplaced modifiers. Grade 7 quarter 2 unit 2 dangling and misplaced modifiers. Recognize the following types of dangling modifiers and their corrections. See appendix a for solutions to practice exercises.
Wearing a wrinkled skirt, mary got into the police car. The modifier should describe whoever gave the party, but no word in the sentence identifies the party giver. Recognize the following types of dangling modifiers and their. Check your understanding of dangling modifiers with an interactive quiz and printable worksheet. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not logically modify any word in the sentence in which it appears. When a sentence opens with such a modifier, readers expect the following clause to name the actor. These modifiers may be clauses, phrases, or single words. Choose the correct sentence that does not contain a dangling modifier.
The submit answers for grading feature requires scripting to. If your score is perfect, go on to the next exercise. Written by editor and writer frances peck, these pieces take a thorough yet entertaining look at some of the most common errors, weaknesses and uncertainties that plague writers of english. A modifier is a word, phrase or clause that modifies or describes another word. A comprehensive database of more than 12 dangling modifier quizzes online, test your knowledge with dangling modifier quiz questions. View each sentence and see if you think there is a problem with either a dangling modifier or a misplaced modifer you may use your notes to help. Recognize and correct the following kinds of misplacement. In a clear, logical sentence, you will find most modifiers right next to the words they describe. Having learned spanish in just three months, the stay in mexico was a success. There are many things that people do to stay healthy before going for a run or working out, they can hydrate well covering a salad with calorierich dressing, the nutritional value plummets. Walking down the street, the buildings surrounded me like monolithic giants. This resource explains what a dangling modifier is and how to correct the problem.
English grammar exercise dangling modifiers 1 identifying. Grammargrounds grammar education is a free, comprehensive site with instruction, videos, quizzes, and more. Having learned french in just three months, paul was as happy as he could be. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase often a participle or participial phrase that doesnt actually modify the word its intended to modify. Dangling modifiers make unclear the meaning of a sentence. In the exercise that follows, you will need to determine whether or not sentences contain misplaced or dangling modifiers. Dangling modifiers sentence errors the nature of writing.
If you score below 100 percent, continue by reading the instructions and doing the practice exercise. Dangling modifiers and how to correct them purdue writing lab. Confusing clear mary got into the police car wearing a wrinkled skirt. Other terms for dangling modifier dangling modifiers are also known as hanging modifiers, floating modifiers, or dangling participles. This is an example of a modifier that disrupts a sentence. Looking toward the west, i saw a funnel shaped cloud stir up dust. Now the sentence means that i was looking toward the west.
Dangling modifiers thebluebird11 on june 29, 2017 10. The way i understood the first example, it was like as the editor of a key magazine for coverage of national policy issues, you are cordially invited to a special event. A modifier describes, clarifies, or gives more detail about a concept. Walking to the movies, the cloud burst drenched jim. Because of this separation, the meaning of the sentence is. Dangling modifiers are usually introductory word groups such as verbal phrases that suggest but do not name an actor. Without modifiers, you could never say that a pretty girl took home a happy dog or. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is not clearly and logically related to the word or words it modifies i.
The english teacher looking for tools, the student looking for some extra help, or the new english speaker hoping to master the language will find what he or she is looking for here. Show all questions working on my computer, the power went out, and i lost all of my work. Living a healthy lifestyle, people generally find great joy. Unlike a misplaced modifier, a dangling modifier cannot be corrected by simply moving it to a different place in a sentence. Worksheets relating to misplaced and dangling modifiers. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Otherwise, the modifier is said to be dangling, and the sentence takes on an unintended meaning. Careful writers always seek to avoid the lack of clarity that a dangling modifier causes. Our mission is to provide a free, worldclass education to anyone, anywh. Modifiers are words and phrases that basically modify a word or sentence. Dangling modifiers a modifier that starts a sentence must be followed right away by the word that it describes. Misplaced and dangling modifiers worksheet yourdictionary. Drooling in anticipation of the treat, gizmo waited for sylvia to reward him with a dog cookie.
Misplaced and dangling modifiers towson university. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence, or that does not connect grammatically with what it is intended to modify. Pecks english pointers is a collection of lively articles spanning english grammar, punctuation, usage and clarity. In other words, they seem to give a better understanding of a word or sentence. This quiz was made for you to be able to test your knowledge about dangling modifiers. If the sentence fails to include a target, the modifier is dangling. Having finished states an action but does not name the doer of that action. It is also called a dangling participle, hanging modifier, floater, floating modifier, or misrelated.
Showing top 8 worksheets in the category dangling modifiers with answer key. Using sarkosyl to induce nuclear runon, the transcriptionally inactive bglobin gene in mature erythrocytes was demonstrated to harbor high levels of pol ii at 5. Having misunderstood the assignment, i received a low grade on. Quia practice quiz dangling and misplaced modifiers. Refer to discovery, 324327, for additional practice. Always put a modifier as close as you can to the word the modifier describes.
A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that either modifies no word in the sentence or refers to the wrong word. A dangling modifier is a type of misplaced modifier. Looking out of door, the courier delivery guy appeared in front. The author forgot to tell us who was wishing on a star. When defrosted, marinate meat for half an hour, and then y. Looking from my bedroom window, the horses frolicked in the meadow.
We assume that gilbert is the one studying the plate, but notice that he doesnt appear in the sentence. Some of the worksheets displayed are 7 misplaced and dangling modifiers, dangling modifiers, name date misplaced and dangling m e 1, dangling modifiers work 1, misplaced modifiers, exercise on misplaced and dangling modifiers with, dangling and misplaced modifiers, esl work. You will receive your score and answers at the end. Studying the unappetizing plate of food, all appetite was lost. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Item 2 select the sentence with the dangling modifier. Misplaced modifiers unit 73200 information about misplaced modifiers can be found in 3200frames 14881526. Ive used examples from published grammarians, plus instances from newspapers and classic film. From who and whom to hyphens, from commas to plain language, from usage woes to grammar. The dangling modifiers are corrected by restructuring the sentence to clear the dangling confusion and to give a clear sense of the word being modified by the dangling modifier. Grammar can be confusing at times, test yours below. In some cases, a dangling modifier refers to a word that doesnt even appear in the sentence.
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