1. VIII. Other Mechanic Errors

2. A. Dangling Modifiers
Definition: word or phrase that modifies a word that’s not there
Examples:
Having finished the assignment, the TV was turned on.
Having arrived late for practice, a written excuse was needed.
Without knowing his name, it was difficult to introduce him.

3. B. Misplaced Modifiers
Modifiers that cause confusion because of their placement
Examples:
My best friend is starting a weight-gaining regime in two weeks of five meals a day.
I heard that he got married to a countess with a vast fortune in a small church in Italy.

4. Funny Headlines
Jails for Women in Need of a Face Lift (Daily Record/ [Morristown, NJ], 11/24/89)
Dr. Ruth Talks About Sex With Newspaper Editors (Rutland [Vermont] Herald, 4/14/86 )
Police Kill Man with TV Tuner (The Blade-Tribune [Oceanside, CA], 6/3/86)
Sisters Reunited After 18 Years in Checkout Line at Supermarket (Arkansas Democrat, 9/29/83)
Chile Bars an Opposition Videotape Dealing with Torture From Television (New York Times, 9/14/88)

5. C. Parallel Structure
Parallel Structure: Sentences, or parts of sentences that are connected by idea, should be expressed in similar form.

6. C. Parallel Structure Using the same format for every item in a list.
Examples
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner. (not parallel)
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurate ly, and thoroughly. (parallel)

7. The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs. (not parallel)
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs. (parallel)

8. D. Faulty Comparisons A faulty comparison is a problem of clarity.
Pinky loves me more than Bob.

9. When comparing actions, make sure to include both verbs, or the correct subject pronoun.
When comparing nouns, make sure both nouns are actually in the sentence, and that the nouns are comparable.