Accurate Modifiers Formal Writing Quiz: Be Precise

1. Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Hoping to avoid traffic, we left early.

While cleaning the garage, an old photo was discovered.

Excited about the trip, Sarah packed her bags.

Because of the rain, the game was canceled.

It sounds like the photo was cleaning the garage; the subject performing the action is missing.

Explanation

It sounds like the photo was cleaning the garage; the subject performing the action is missing.

2. A modifier “dangles” when it does not logically describe any __________ in the sentence.

Every modifier must clearly attach to a word that performs the action.

Explanation

Every modifier must clearly attach to a word that performs the action.

Submit

3. Correcting dangling modifiers always requires deleting the phrase.

True

False

The phrase can usually be kept by adding or repositioning a clear subject.

Explanation

The phrase can usually be kept by adding or repositioning a clear subject.

4. Choose the correct revision of this sentence: “After studying for hours, the test results were satisfying.”

After studying for hours, we found the test results satisfying.

The test results, after studying for hours, were satisfying.

Studying for hours, the test results satisfied us.

The test results satisfied studying for hours.

The subject “we” clarifies who did the studying.

Explanation

The subject “we” clarifies who did the studying.

5. In the sentence “While walking through the park, the flowers smelled wonderful,” it sounds like the __________ were walking.

The modifier attaches to the wrong noun, making the sentence illogical.

Explanation

The modifier attaches to the wrong noun, making the sentence illogical.

Submit

6. Match each sentence with its corrected version:

To improve communication, the plan was rewritten.

Running late for work, the car keys were forgotten.

After completing the project, success came quickly.

Each correction adds the missing subject or clarifies who acted.

Explanation

Each correction adds the missing subject or clarifies who acted.

Submit

7. Pick two phrases that could easily create a dangling modifier if not attached correctly.

“To finish on time”

“When arriving early”

“After everyone left”

“Very tall trees”

These are introductory phrases missing a subject — easy to dangle if not rewritten.

Explanation

These are introductory phrases missing a subject — easy to dangle if not rewritten.

Submit

8. The phrase “Having been painted freshly, the artist admired the mural” is correct because the modifier describes the __________.

The structure clearly connects “painted freshly” to “the mural.”

Explanation

The structure clearly connects “painted freshly” to “the mural.”

Submit

9. “Looking out the window, the storm clouds gathered quickly” is correct.

True

False

It sounds like the storm clouds were looking; should be Looking out the window, I saw the storm clouds gather quickly.

Explanation

It sounds like the storm clouds were looking; should be Looking out the window, I saw the storm clouds gather quickly.

10. Choose the correct version: “To save time, the directions were skipped.”

To save time, we skipped the directions.

The directions, to save time, were skipped by we.

Saving time, the directions skipped us.

To saving time, directions skipped.

Adding “we” fixes the missing doer.

Explanation

Adding “we” fixes the missing doer.

Submit

12. Match each incorrect sentence with its correct revision:

Walking along the river, the birds were singing loudly.

To make a good impression, the report was submitted early.

Searching the internet, several sources were found.

The revised versions clearly indicate who performed the action.

Explanation

The revised versions clearly indicate who performed the action.

Submit

13. Pick two reasons to revise dangling modifiers in formal writing.

To make the meaning clear and logical

To show strong sentence variety

To avoid unintentional humor

To reduce the number of adjectives

Clear logical meaning and professional tone are key in academic writing.

Explanation

Clear logical meaning and professional tone are key in academic writing.

Submit

14. “Covered in snow, the hikers’ tent collapsed” is correct because the phrase clearly modifies __________.

“Covered in snow” describes the tent, not the hikers.

Explanation

“Covered in snow” describes the tent, not the hikers.

Submit

15. Dangling modifiers are grammatical errors that can confuse readers even when the sentence sounds fine when read aloud.

True

False

The logic may fail even if the rhythm or sound seems natural.

Explanation

The logic may fail even if the rhythm or sound seems natural.

Precision Writing: Accurate Modifiers in Formal Writing Quiz