EXERCISE 36.1

Revise each of the following sentences by moving any misplaced modifiers so that they clearly modify the words they should. Example:

image

  1. The comedian had the audience doubled over with laughter relating her stories in a deadpan voice.
    Relating her stories in a deadpan voice, the comedian had the audience doubled over with laughter.

  2. News reports can increase a listener’s irrational fears that emphasize random crime or rare diseases.
    News reports that emphasize random crime or rare diseases can increase a listener’s irrational fears.

  3. Studying legal documents and court records from hundreds of years ago, ordinary people in the Middle Ages teach us about everyday life at that time.
    Legal documents and court records can reveal the habits of ordinary people in the Middle Ages.

  4. Risking their lives in war zones, civilians learn about the conflict from the firsthand accounts of journalists abroad.
    Civilians learn about the conflict from the firsthand accounts of journalists who risk their lives in war zones abroad.

  5. Melena saw lions in the wild on a safari in Africa last spring.
    On a safari in Africa last spring, Melena saw lions in the wild.

  6. Doctors recommend a new test for cancer, which is painless.
    Doctors recommend a new, painless test for cancer.

  7. Every afternoon I find flyers for free pizza left on my windshield.
    Every afternoon I find my windshield covered with flyers for free pizza.

  8. Screeching strings told the audience that the killer was coming after the opening credits.
    After the opening credits, screeching strings told the audience that the killer was coming.

  9. The coach awarded a medal to the most valuable player made of solid brass.
    The coach awarded a medal made of solid brass to the most valuable player.

  10. Hanging on by a thread, the five-year-old finally lost her tooth.
    The five-year-old finally lost her tooth, which was hanging on by a thread.