Mechanics,Usage,PunctuationQuizAnswerKey
(B.4.a) Correct run-ons, fragments, and dangling and misplaced modifiers to improve clarity.
Teacher Name: Quiz Generated On: 10-17-2016
1) Which sentence has a dangling modifier error?
A) Unhappy about his new schedule, the freshmen made an appointment with his advisor.
B) To be able to finish college, I'm going to need to attain at least 20 credits this semester.
C) After seeing a movie about overflowing landfills, a new program for recycling was started in our town.
D) Blowing ferociously across the landscape, the wind made Margaret pull her parka tighter around her body.
E) Feeling lonely, Franklin decided to drive to a movie rental store and see if he could find a comedy to watch.
Explanation:
The sentence that has a dangling modifier error is the following one: After seeing a movie about overflowing landfills, a
new program for recycling was started in our town. The modifier used at the beginning of this sentence should be
modifying the speaker of the sentence as the ones who watched the movie about overflowing landfills.
2) Which sentence contains a misplaced or dangling modifier?
A) Later today, can we go to see a movie?
B) Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year.
C) Someone left the television on all night long.
D) Flying high above the clouds, Austin saw the airplane.
E) To avoid sunburn, we need to apply plenty of sunblock lotion.
Explanation:
The sentence that has a modifier error states Flying high above the clouds, Austin saw the airplane. The airplane is flying
high above the clouds, not Austin.
3) Which sentence contains an error involving a dangling modifier?
A) My room sparkled after I finished cleaning and dusting it.
B) As I looked back over my shoulder, I saw the sun begin to set.
C) While filling the tank with gas, some of it spilled on the pavement.
D) To qualify for the team, players must shoot at least five under par.
E) My family would rather grow our own vegetables than buy them from the store.
Explanation:
While filling the tank with gas, some of it spilled on the pavement. This sentence contains a dangling modifier. To correct
this sentence, write is as follows: "While filling the tank with gas, Michael spilled some of it on the pavement."
4) Which answer choice is a sentence fragment?
A) The grill sizzled when the chef placed the grilled cheese sandwiches on its hot, oily surface.
B) Although he was unsure whether or not he was good enough for the team, Trey decided to try out anyway.
C) While Nora had never really considered herself an unhappy woman because of her nice home and even nicer
husband.
D) Unlike other various creatures of the legend, there is real evidence for the existence of the creature known as
the Yeti.
E) There was no way on earth that Jeff could still believe that he was going to be elected Student Council
President after this latest scandal.
Explanation:
The following answer choice is a sentence fragment: While Nora had never really considered herself an unhappy woman
because of her nice home and even nicer husband. This is an introductory dependent clause that needs to be modifying a
subject.
