Dangling Modifiers Quiz: Grammar Test!

1. Running for the bus, my book fell in the mud.

My book fell in the mud because it was running for the bus.

As I ran for the bus, my book fell in the mud.

Running for the bus, my book had fallen in the mud.

The correct answer is "As I ran for the bus, my book fell in the mud." This answer correctly uses the phrase "As I ran for the bus" to indicate the cause or reason for the action of the book falling in the mud. The other options do not convey the cause and effect relationship between running for the bus and the book falling in the mud.

Explanation

The correct answer is "As I ran for the bus, my book fell in the mud." This answer correctly uses the phrase "As I ran for the bus" to indicate the cause or reason for the action of the book falling in the mud. The other options do not convey the cause and effect relationship between running for the bus and the book falling in the mud.

2. After being bitten by seven dogs, the mailman decided to carry industrial strength tasers with him during his early morning deliveries.

True

False

The statement suggests that the mailman decided to carry industrial strength tasers with him after being bitten by seven dogs. This implies that the statement is true, as it states a fact about the mailman's decision based on his past experience with dog bites.

Explanation

The statement suggests that the mailman decided to carry industrial strength tasers with him after being bitten by seven dogs. This implies that the statement is true, as it states a fact about the mailman's decision based on his past experience with dog bites.

3. Having finished the assignment, the TV was turned on.

The TV was turned on because it finished the assignment.

After having finished the assignment, the TV was turned on.

Having finished the assignment, I turned the TV on.

The correct answer is "Having finished the assignment, I turned the TV on." This answer is correct because it is the only option that correctly uses the pronoun "I" to indicate that the person who finished the assignment is the one who turned on the TV. The other options either use the incorrect pronoun "the TV" or do not specify who turned on the TV.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Having finished the assignment, I turned the TV on." This answer is correct because it is the only option that correctly uses the pronoun "I" to indicate that the person who finished the assignment is the one who turned on the TV. The other options either use the incorrect pronoun "the TV" or do not specify who turned on the TV.

4. With a cold, clear penetrating look, the poker game stopped cold as Slim Pickens lay down his cards.

True

False

The given statement is false. The phrase "With a cold, clear penetrating look" suggests that Slim Pickens's gaze had an impact on the poker game, causing it to come to a halt. However, there is no mention of Slim Pickens actually laying down his cards, which means the game did not stop because of his actions.

Explanation

The given statement is false. The phrase "With a cold, clear penetrating look" suggests that Slim Pickens's gaze had an impact on the poker game, causing it to come to a halt. However, there is no mention of Slim Pickens actually laying down his cards, which means the game did not stop because of his actions.

5. In awe, the astronomers watched the planet Pluto circling the coldest regions of outer space in an endless dance.

True

False

The statement describes astronomers watching the planet Pluto circling the coldest regions of outer space in an endless dance. This suggests that the astronomers were amazed by this phenomenon, indicating that they were in awe. Therefore, the statement is true.

Explanation

The statement describes astronomers watching the planet Pluto circling the coldest regions of outer space in an endless dance. This suggests that the astronomers were amazed by this phenomenon, indicating that they were in awe. Therefore, the statement is true.

6. After reading the original study, the article remains unconvincing.

The article still remains unconvincing after reading the original study.

The article remained unconvincing after reading the original study.

After reading the original study, I find the article remains unconvincing.

The given correct answer is "After reading the original study, I find the article remains unconvincing." This answer correctly reflects the idea that even after reading the original study, the article still lacks persuasiveness. It implies that the study did not provide enough evidence or support to change the reader's opinion about the article.

Explanation

The given correct answer is "After reading the original study, I find the article remains unconvincing." This answer correctly reflects the idea that even after reading the original study, the article still lacks persuasiveness. It implies that the study did not provide enough evidence or support to change the reader's opinion about the article.

7. To improve his results, the experiment was done again.

To improve his results, he did the experiment again.

In order to improve his results, the experiment was done again.

His results were improved after the experiment was done again.

The correct answer is "To improve his results, he did the experiment again." This answer is correct because it clearly states that the person took action to improve their results by redoing the experiment. The other options either use passive voice or do not explicitly mention that the person took action to improve the results.

Explanation

The correct answer is "To improve his results, he did the experiment again." This answer is correct because it clearly states that the person took action to improve their results by redoing the experiment. The other options either use passive voice or do not explicitly mention that the person took action to improve the results.

8. The experiment was a failure, not having studied the lab manual carefully.

The experiment failed after not studying the lab manual carefully.

They failed the experiment, not having studied the lab manual carefully.

Not studying the lab manual caused the experiment to fail.

The correct answer suggests that the experiment failed because the individuals conducting it did not study the lab manual carefully. The phrase "not having studied the lab manual carefully" indicates that the lack of careful study led to the failure. The answer implies that the failure was a result of their negligence in not studying the lab manual properly.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that the experiment failed because the individuals conducting it did not study the lab manual carefully. The phrase "not having studied the lab manual carefully" indicates that the lack of careful study led to the failure. The answer implies that the failure was a result of their negligence in not studying the lab manual properly.