Skill 1: Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

Bolinger/Eng2

Name ____________________________

GRAMMAR REVIEW #2

SKILL 1: DANGLING AND MISPLACED MODIFIERS

Dangling Modifiers are words or phrases that do not have a clear term to modify in a sentence. Often, they can be found at the beginning of sentences, though they can also appear at a sentence’s end. They frequently include an –ing word (gerund) and to + verb (infinitive) phrase near the start of a sentence.

Misplaced Modifiers are words or phrases that do not clearly point to the word or phrase they modify, in this way obscuring meaning.

Directions: In the blank beside each sentence, indicate whether that sentence contains a dangling modifier (DM) or a misplaced modifier (MM). Then rewrite the sentence to correct it. Check the answers by using the key below. Because rewritten sentences will vary, have a writing counselor check your new sentences for you.

Examples:

a. At the age of six, my mother sang hymns to me. DM__

Correction: When I was six, my mother sang hymns to me.

b. We were told at midnight the concert would begin. MM__

Correction: We were told the concert would begin at midnight.

1. The car on the bridge which is green is mine. ______

2. Expecting confusion, our plans were made. ______

3. Feeling hot, sweaters were taken off. ______

4. I showed my dog to the veterinarian with the fleas. ______

5. Larry told me he was getting married that afternoon at night. ______

6. This typewriter is used by a secretary with a wide carriage. ______

7. Swimming out into the sea, the current grew stronger. ______

8. Walking along the bridge, a ship suddenly appeared. ______

9. The Honda was stalled on the road out of oil. ______

10. He kept a black book of all the girls he had dated in his desk. ______

SKILL 2: PRONOUN- ANTECEDENT AGREEMENT

A pronoun agrees with its antecedent in number, gender, and person. If the antecedent is singular, a singular pronoun is required. The plural antecedent requires a plural pronoun.

The following antecedents are referred to by singular pronouns: anybody, anyone, each, either, everybody, everyone, neither, nobody, one, somebody, someone.

ex. Each of the boys has his own savings account.

Anyone can achieve his or her goals.

Singular antecedents joined by or/nor are referred to by a singular pronoun.

ex. John nor Dave could find his jacket.

A dog or a cat can find its way home.

Collective nouns may take either a singular or plural pronoun, depending on the meaning of the sentence.

ex. The cast is having its picture taken. (whole group as one)

The cast quickly took their places on stage. (individuals)

Directions: Underline the correct pronoun.

1. Neither Mary nor Laura has turned in (her, their) report.

2. Anybody can learn to set up (his, their) own tent.

3. Each of the boys takes care of (his, their) own room.

4. Neither Tom nor Jim can give (his, their) report today.

5. Anyone can join our group if (he, they) is really interested.

6. The team can't play (its, their) best when it's too hot.

7. Either Bill or Tony will lend you (his, their) book.

8. Everyone should do (his, their) best work on the project.

9. George wants to go into politics; he finds (it, them) exciting.

10. Everyone should be in (his, their) seat before the curtain goes up.

SKILL 3: SHIFT IN TENSES/VOICE (REVIEW NOTES ON CLASS WEBSITE)

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