Dangling Modifiers Identification Quiz: Fix Mistakes

1. Which best defines a dangling modifier?

A phrase that clearly describes the right word

A word or phrase that doesn’t clearly connect to the word it modifies

A sentence that ends with a preposition

A phrase beginning with “and” or “but”

Logical connectors signal how ideas relate — whether by cause, contrast, addition, or order.

Explanation

Logical connectors signal how ideas relate — whether by cause, contrast, addition, or order.

2. A dangling modifier usually appears at the beginning of a sentence without a clear __________.

These words indicate that one event or fact leads to another outcome.

Explanation

These words indicate that one event or fact leads to another outcome.

Submit

3. Dangling modifiers can make sentences confusing or unintentionally funny.

True

False

It introduces an opposing or corrective idea.

Explanation

It introduces an opposing or corrective idea.

4. Choose the sentence that contains a dangling modifier.

Walking to school, the rain soaked my shoes.

While I walked to school, the rain soaked my shoes.

The rain soaked my shoes as I walked to school.

I walked to school in the rain.

However signals contrast — the policy’s fairness conflicts with the confusion it caused.

Explanation

However signals contrast — the policy’s fairness conflicts with the confusion it caused.

Submit

6. Match each dangling modifier with its correct revision:

Driving down the street, the house came into view.

Hoping to win the prize, the ticket was bought.

After reading the article, the topic seemed clearer.

Consequently shows a result or outcome. Nevertheless introduces an opposing idea. In contrast can transition between two ideas to show difference or change. In addition adds supporting information.

Explanation

Consequently shows a result or outcome. Nevertheless introduces an opposing idea. In contrast can transition between two ideas to show difference or change. In addition adds supporting information.

Submit

7. Pick two signs that a modifier might be dangling.

It starts a sentence with an –ing phrase.

The sentence lacks a clear subject after the comma.

The modifier describes something far away in the sentence.

The sentence includes two independent clauses.

Then and meanwhile help organize events chronologically.

Explanation

Then and meanwhile help organize events chronologically.

Submit

9. A dangling modifier always appears at the beginning of a sentence.

True

False

Furthermore adds similar or supporting information.

Explanation

Furthermore adds similar or supporting information.

10. Choose the correct revision: Original: While climbing the ladder, the paint bucket fell.

While climbing the ladder, I dropped the paint bucket.

The paint bucket fell while climbing the ladder.

Climbing the ladder, fell the paint bucket.

Climbing, the paint bucket was falling.

Nevertheless expresses contrast — he continued despite being tired.

Explanation

Nevertheless expresses contrast — he continued despite being tired.

11. Dangling modifiers are often introduced by words ending in __________ or by participial phrases.

They clarify a general idea with a specific case.

Explanation

They clarify a general idea with a specific case.

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12. Match each incorrect sentence to its corrected version:

To improve her grade, the test was retaken.

Running fast, the finish line was crossed.

Covered in chocolate, the child ate the ice cream cone.

Each connector shows a distinct type of logical link between ideas: therefore shows a result; nevertheless shows contrast; so indicates a sequence; and moreover used for addition or adding information.

Explanation

Each connector shows a distinct type of logical link between ideas: therefore shows a result; nevertheless shows contrast; so indicates a sequence; and moreover used for addition or adding information.

Submit

13. Pick two ways to correct a dangling modifier.

Add a clear subject.

Change the modifier into a complete clause.

Remove all adjectives.

Move the phrase far from the subject.

Both indicate closure or summary of reasoning.

Explanation

Both indicate closure or summary of reasoning.

Submit

14. A dangling modifier creates an unintended image, such as “Flying over the lake, the trees looked beautiful.” Here, it sounds like the __________ were flying.

They make connections clear so readers understand how one idea leads to another.

Explanation

They make connections clear so readers understand how one idea leads to another.

Submit

15. Correcting dangling modifiers makes writing clearer and more professional.

True

False

Each connector signals a specific relationship; using the wrong one confuses the logic.

Explanation

Each connector signals a specific relationship; using the wrong one confuses the logic.

Spotting Errors: Identifying Dangling Modifiers Quiz