Precision Writing: Accurate Modifiers in Formal Writing Quiz

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| Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 8, 2026
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1. Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Explanation

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

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About This Quiz
Precision Writing: Accurate Modifiers In Formal Writing Quiz - Quiz

In formal contexts, every word must be in its place! In this accurate modifiers formal writing quiz, you'll focus on placing descriptive phrases correctly to avoid ambiguity and maintain a professional tone. You'll practice ensuring accurate modifiers are used with precision writing.

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

Explanation

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

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3. Correcting dangling modifiers always requires deleting the phrase.

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

The subject “we” clarifies who did the studying.

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

Explanation

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

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6. Match each sentence with its corrected version:

Explanation

Each correction adds the missing subject or clarifies who acted.

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

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

Adding “we” fixes the missing doer.

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11. A good rule is to place modifiers as close as possible to the word they __________.

Explanation

This proximity ensures clarity.

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12. Match each incorrect sentence with its correct revision:

Explanation

The revised versions clearly indicate who performed the action.

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

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

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

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

Explanation

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

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Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
A modifier “dangles” when it does not logically describe any...
Correcting dangling modifiers always requires deleting the phrase.
Choose the correct revision of this sentence: “After studying for...
In the sentence “While walking through the park, the flowers smelled...
Match each sentence with its corrected version:
Pick two phrases that could easily create a dangling modifier if not...
The phrase “Having been painted freshly, the artist admired the...
“Looking out the window, the storm clouds gathered quickly” is...
Choose the correct version: “To save time, the directions were...
A good rule is to place modifiers as close as possible to the word...
Match each incorrect sentence with its correct revision:
Pick two reasons to revise dangling modifiers in formal writing.
“Covered in snow, the hikers’ tent collapsed” is correct because...
Dangling modifiers are grammatical errors that can confuse readers...
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