In the following sentences, identify and correct the misplaced and dangling modifiers. The children attended the public school wearing uniforms. When modifiers adjectives and adverbs are out of place, too far away from the word they modify, the sentence will be awkward or confusing. In most cases a modifier should be near the word or phrase it modifies. The waitress served gilbert a plate of gray meatloaf sauced with lumpy gravy. A misplaced modifier is a word that is separated from the word it describes. A misplaced modifier makes the meaning of a sentence ambiguous or wrong. Should i put my modifier at the beginning of the sentence. Each of the following sentences includes a modifying phrase that confuses because it the statement is erroneously constructed or because the phrase is incorrectly located in the sentence. Always put a modifier as close as you can to the word the modifier describes.
A modifier that is incorrectly placed is called a misplaced modifier. Students recognize and correct misplaced and dangling modifiers through highinterest posters, task cards, and multiple choice quiz all aligned to common core state standards. Misplaced modifiers are modifiers that modify something you didnt intend them to modify. Both adults and teenagers have the privilege of earning their drivers licenses before driving for the first time, drivers education classes are important when learning to drive, one must be very cautious and alert after getting a drivers license, all drivers must remain. This humorous story helps students to learn about misplaced modifiers. Misplaced modifier a misplaced modifier is a word or group of words that does not link clearly to what it is intended to modify. Sometimes writers use modifiers incorrectly, leading to strange and unintentionally humorous sentences. Consider including one example of a misplaced modifier and one example of a dangling modifier for each student as well. Modifiers are words and phrases that basically modify a word or sentence. The english teacher looking for tools, the student looking for some extra help, or the new english speaker hoping to master the language will find what he or she is looking for here.
In a clear, logical sentence, you will find most modifiers right next to the words they describe. Oct 24, 2016 a misplaced modifier happens to modify something that you did not intend to modify, oftenor hopefullywith humorous consequences. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though. Because of this separation, the meaning of the sentence is.
They will take a short quiz where they must choose between one of three sentences in 10 slides that correctly uses modifiers. May 18, 2007 modifiers are just what they sound likewords or phrases that modify something else. After being beaten and deflated is called a modifier because it modifies or describes someone or something in the same sentence. Recast the sentence so that the phrase properly modifies the part of the sentence it refers to. Constructing sentences 3 if you need to brush up on the difference between a misplaced modifier and a dangling modifier, or if you need to be reminded what makes a sentence simple or complex, then this resource is for you. A misplaced modifier is a modifier that modifies the wrong nou a misplaced modifier modifies the incorrect noun or subject, w i ate the pizza that was covered with hot, melting cheese. Keep in mind everything you know about dangling and misplaced modifiers. Rewrite each sentence, moving the misplaced modifier to its correct position. Mar 14, 2014 misplaced modifiersmisplaced modifiersmisplaced modifiersmisplaced modifiers should i put my modifier at the beginning of the sentence. This is a practice quiz over problems with modifiers. A modifying word or phrase is said to dangle when it doesnt affect the word its supposed to modify. The messenger spoke to the receptionist who delivered the package. Because of their dangling modifiers, these sentences wrongly imply that the hill rollerbladed frantically, that p.
While taking the chemistry test, the students thought the extremely annoying questions seemed ambiguous. Lets dive right in to some examples of misplaced modifiers and talk about why these examples dont work. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though they can also appear at a sentences. Modifiers misplaced, dangling, changing worksheets k12reader. Grammargrounds grammar education is a free, comprehensive site with instruction, videos, quizzes, and more. Misplaced modifiers worksheet for 6th 9th grade lesson. Improve your language arts knowledge with free questions in misplaced modifiers with pictures and thousands of other language arts skills.
In the blank beside each sentence, indicate whether that sentence contains a dangling modifier dm or a misplaced modifier mm. Recognize the following types of dangling modifiers and their corrections. Ixl misplaced modifiers with pictures 7th grade language arts. This makes for some silly sentences when you think about what these really mean. So, an adjective or an adverb are modifiers because they change the meaning or add detail to another word or words as in the tin man and the cowardly lion.
Dangling and misplaced modifiers dangling modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. Misplaced modifiers unit 73200 information about misplaced modifiers can be found in 3200frames 14881526. Most stress disorders can be effectively treated with serotoninuptake inhibitors. Misplaced modifiers exercises answers the following are. In prescriptive grammar, misplaced modifiers are usually regarded as errors. Though he may well be able to learn while multitasking, it is not nearly as efficient as focusing only on studying. A way to avoid misplaced modifiers is to place the modifier close to the word it. Because of this separation, the meaning of the sentence is often awkward, ridiculous, illogical, or confusing. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is not clearly and logically related to. Wishing on a star, we felt that the night was magical. A modifier a word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence. Recognize and correct the following kinds of misplacement.
Some of the worksheets for this concept are dangling and misplaced modifiers, misplaced modifiers, 7 misplaced and dangling modifiers, grammar work misplaced and dangling participles, name date misplaced and dangling m e 1, misplaced modifiers, misplaced modifiers introductory project, name date misplaced modifiers. Misplaced modifiers can alter the meaning of a sentence, and take away from a writers intended message. Dangling modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. Instead, it should go right next to the thing its supposed to modify. Dangling misplaced modifiers quiz questions proprofs quiz.
A comprehensive database of more than 12 dangling modifier quizzes online, test your knowledge with dangling modifier quiz questions. Refer to discovery, 320324, for additional practice. Without modifiers, you could never say that a pretty girl took home a happy dog or that a nice boy bought a y. Other misplaced modifiers essential grammar skills sat test prep is designed for students who want an effective program for the most dramatic sat score improvements all the material you need to score well on the sat gives you everything you need to succeed on the test. A misplaced modifier happens to modify something that you did not intend to modify, oftenor hopefullywith humorous consequences. The author forgot to tell us who was wishing on a star. Misplaced modifiers may be single words, phrases, or clauses. Misplaced modifiers are important to be aware of in order to avoid them, and this quizworksheet will help you test your understanding of their problems and. From who and whom to hyphens, from commas to plain language, from usage woes to grammar.
Here is a classic example from grockit of a sentence on the act english test with a misplaced modifier. Watch out for the words only, just, merely, nearly, and almost. After being beaten and deflated, the dough was shaped and seasoned by the baker. Misplaced modifiers are important to be aware of in order to avoid them, and this quiz worksheet will help you test your understanding of their problems and. When you are finished, hit the check my work button at the bottom of the page to check your answers. Quia practice quiz dangling and misplaced modifiers. Misplaced modifiers can usually be corrected by moving the modifier to a more sensible place in the sentence, generally next to the word it modifies. James outside three rivers stadium on the night of the raid on charges of marijuana possession. Misplaced modifiers exercises the vehicle was parked on the front lawn of the starr residence with a slightly flat tire.
Written by editor and writer frances peck, these pieces take a thorough yet entertaining look at some of the most common errors, weaknesses and uncertainties that plague writers of english. Answering sentence correction questions on the sat will be a lot easier if you understand how to properly use modifiers. Determine whether the sentences below contain misplaced or dangling modifiers. Misplaced modifiers exercises answers the following are suggested answers. Grammar can be confusing at times, test yours below. The two common types of modifier errors are called misplaced modifiers and dangling modifiers. For example, the word only is a modifier thats easy to misplace. The waiter served a dinner roll that was well buttered to the woman. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is not clearly and logically related to the word or words it modifies i. Which of the following sentences has a misplaced modifier. Displaying top 8 worksheets found for misplaced modifier.
This misplaced modifiers worksheet is suitable for 6th 9th grade. Worksheets relating to misplaced and dangling modifiers. When they are out of place, the sentence will be awkward or confusing. Misplaced modifiers a misplaced modifier is a word or phrase incorrectly separated from the word it modifies. Pecks english pointers is a collection of lively articles spanning english grammar, punctuation, usage and clarity. A misplaced modifier is an adjective or adverb that is out of position.
Exercises on modifiers with explanation learn english. So the agent and the modifier will be placed together to avoid causing misplaced modifier. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that either modifies no word in the sentence or refers to the wrong word. Misplacedanddanglingmodifiers 1 misplaced and dangling modifiers a misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is improperly separated from the word or clause it modifies or describes. There are many things that people do to stay healthy before going for a run or working out, they can hydrate well covering a salad with calorierich dressing, the nutritional value plummets.
Misplaced modifiers exercises penn state law university. These disorders include depression, heat intolerance, onychophagia, pathologic jealousy, dysthymia, and trichotillomania. Misplaced modifiers a misplaced modifier is a modifying word, phrase, or clause that does not point clearly and directly to what it is supposed to modify. Misplacement of adverbs can sometimes change the meaning of a sentence. Easy examples of misplaced modifiers in these examples, the misplaced modifiers are shaded. Misplaced modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that are separated from the word they modify. Unlike a misplaced modifier, a dangling modifier cannot be corrected by simply moving it to a different place in a sentence. Start studying brooksen grammar misplaceddangling modifiers 3. Check your answers with the interactive version of the exercise. A dangling modifier as a misplaced modifier eries public schools. Two cars were reported stolen by the police this week. Confusing clear mary got into the police car wearing a. The most common type of misplaced modifier question on the act english test involves a modifying phrase.
View each sentence and see if you think there is a problem with either a dangling modifier or a misplaced modifer you may use your notes to help. Misplaced modifiers are words or phrases that do not clearly point to the word or phrase they modify, in this way obscuring meaning. Correcting misplaced and dangling modifiers pdf documents. Choose the option that has no misplaced or dangling modifier. When they stray too far, they become misplaced modifiers. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is separated from the word it describes. Brooksen grammar misplaceddangling modifiers 3 flashcards. Students are given the task of finding the misplaced modifiers in this. Jun 18, 2017 a misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that doesnt clearly relate to the word or phrase it is intended to modify. Grade 7 quarter 2 unit 2 dangling and misplaced modifiers. Students multitask everyday, indeed many times a day, students believe they are very adept at juggling two or three different activities while studying for a midterm. In each case, see if you can explain both the intended meaning and the unintended meaning.
A misplaced modifier is a modifying word, phrase, or clause that does not point clearly and directly to what it is supposed to modify. A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that does not logically modify any word in the sentence in. The best misplaced and dangling modifiers of all time. These modifiers may be clauses, phrases, or single words. The vehicle had a slightly flat tire and was parked on the front lawn of the starr. Sitting on the top shelf of the refrigerator, desmond saw moms pristine birthday. Dangling modifiers cause the sentence to lack coherence. Free, printable modifiers worksheets to develop strong grammar, language and. Dangling modifiers a dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that either modifies no word in the sentence or refers to the wrong word. Other misplaced modifiers essential grammar skills sat.
Eries public schools writing curriculum draft spring 2014. And, the further away they get, the more it looks like theyre modifying something else entirely. Misplaced and dangling modifiers exercise 1 grammar bytes. Dangling and misplaced modifiers grammar quiz quizizz. A modifier is a word, phrase or clause that modifies or describes another word, and this quiz worksheet combo will help you test your understanding of them. Examples of misplaced modifiers show us how important it is to place our modifying words and phrases in the proper place.
You will learn about all the elements that need to come together to structure an accurate sentence. Apr 27, 2018 grammar quiz for eng331 at ncsu spring 2015by patrick templeton. Choose the sentence in which the modifiers are correctly placed. In other words, they seem to give a better understanding of a word or sentence. Our online dangling modifier trivia quizzes can be adapted to suit your requirements for taking some of the top dangling modifier quizzes. Use the reference sheet and activity to show middle schoolers how to edit confusing sentences with misplaced modifiers. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Misplaced and dangling modifiers towson university. Correcting misplaced modifiers word usage worksheets.