Modifier Problems

Dangling Modifier When the stick was thrown in the air, the dog caught it. Who threw the stick into the air?

The dog caught the stick when I threw it into the air.

After our conversation lessons, we could understand the Spanish spoken by our visitors from Madrid easily.

After our conversation lessons, we could easily understand the Spanish spoken by our visitors from Madrid.

Misplace Modifier We almost ate all of the Thanksgiving turkey. How much of the turkey did you eat?

We almost ate all of the Thanksgiving turkey We ate almost all of the Thanksgiving turkey

He almost won $100. He won almost $100.

Misplace Modifier The student has nearly failed every test he has taken. The student has failed nearly every test he has taken.

Dangling Modifier Raised in Hawaii, it is natural to miss the smell of the sea. Being raised in Hawaii, it is natural for me to miss the smell of the sea.

On July 20, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin landed on the moon, watched by nearly a fifth of the world's population.

On July 20, 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin landed on the moon, an event that was watched by nearly a fifth of the world's population.

Dangling Modifier When purchasing a cellular phone, the wide variety of calling plans and features overwhelms many people.

The wide variety of calling plans and features overwhelms many people who purchasing a cellular phone.

Dangling Modifier Sizzling on the grill, Theo smelled the Copper River salmon. Theo smelled the Copper River salmon sizzling on the grill.

Confusing Modifier Felicia is allergic to raw apples and almonds. Felicia is allergic to raw apples and raw almonds? Felicia is allergic to raw apples and cooked almonds?

Misplaced Modifier He barely kicked that ball twenty yards. He kicked that ball barely twenty yards.

Misplaced Modifier Students who seek their instructors' advice often can improve their grades. Students who seek their instructors' advice can often improve their grades. Students who often seek their instructors' advice can improve their grades.

Dangling Modifier To raise a good dog, patience is useful. It is useful to have patience if you want to raise a good dog.

Dangling Modifier When taking a grammar quiz, concentration is everything. Concentration is everything when you take a grammar quiz.