forw_ch25

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Correcting Dangling Modifiers

For each sentence below, identify the phrase that supplies words to which the modifier can logically refer.

For help with this exercise, see section 25b of Focus on Reading and Writing.

Question

Stopped for speeding, ____________.
A. the driver apologized and accepted the ticket.
B. the car pulled over.
C. the police offer gave me a ticket.
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Received a day late, ____________.
A. the payment was still accepted.
B. the student paid the fee.
C. the bank charged an additional fee.
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Timing it just right, ___________.
A. the train transfer was successful.
B. Liz was able to transfer to the train.
C. the bus pulled in as the train was leaving.
Question

Joking around, ____________.
A. the words were extremely hurtful.
B. the student made a careless remark.
C. the joke made quite an impression.
Question

Standing in line, ____________.
A. the records were cheap.
B. Joe waited patiently to pay for the guitar.
C. the guitar was heavy in Joe’s hands.

Correcting Dangling Modifiers 2

Each of the following sentences contains a dangling modifier. Select the answer choice that correctly rewrites the sentence so that the modifier refers to the word or phrase in parentheses.

For help with this exercise, see section 25b of Focus on Reading and Writing.

Question

Blinded by fatigue, the nest was finally reached. (eagle)
A. Blinded by the eagle fatigue, the nest was finally reached.
B. Blinded by fatigue, the eagle finally reached the nest.
C. The eagle, blinded by fatigue, the nest was finally reached.
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Hoping for the best, the envelope was sealed. (Ling)
A. Ling hoping for the best, the envelope was sealed.
B. Hoping for the best, Ling sealed the envelope.
C. The envelope was sealed, Ling hoping for the best.
Question

Forcing her to wait, all the computers were being used. (other students)
A. Other students, using all the computers, forcing her to wait.
B. Forcing her to wait using all the computers, other students.
C. Forcing her to wait, other students were using all the computers.
Question

Frightened by the sudden dark, the room was filled with whimpers. (the puppy)
A. Frightened by the sudden dark, the puppy was filled with whimpers.
B. Frightened by the sudden dark, the puppy filled the room with whimpers.
C. The puppy, the room filled with whimpers, frightened by the sudden dark.
Question

Giving in, the fire was something he could not control. (he)
A. Giving in, he could not control the fire.
B. Giving in, the fire he was unable to control.
C. The fire, he was giving in, and it was something he could not control.

Correcting Dangling Modifiers

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