SAT Writing : Identifying Misplaced or Interrupting Modifier Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #162 :Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
When Ipassedthe shopwindow,I saw asilver woman’s locketthatwould beperfect for my aunt’s birthday.No error
silver woman’s locket
passed
window,
would be
No error
silver woman’s locket
Here, the word “silver” is a misplaced modifier. It’s the locket that’s silver, not the woman, so the correct wording would be a “woman’s silver locket.”
Example Question #163 :Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
I’m looking for thetornbiology teacher’smanualsoI can replace it witha newone.No error
a new
manual
torn
No error
so
torn
It’s not the biology teacher who’s torn; it’s the manual. Therefore, “torn” is a misplaced modifier and should be moved directly next to the phrase it modifies.
Example Question #164 :Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
We can’t give juice toanyof the childrenin glass bottles;someonemight droponeand break it.No error
one
in glass bottles
someone
No error
any
in glass bottles
The "children" aren’t in glass bottles; the "juice" is. Therefore, “in glass bottles” is a misplaced modifier and should be moved next to the noun it modifies.
Example Question #165 :Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
MynieceTara wore herfavorite bluedress to the homecomingdance,which unfortunately didn’t match her green shoes.No error
dance,
niece
which unfortunately didn’t match her green shoes.
favorite blue
No error
which unfortunately didn’t match her green shoes.
“Which unfortunately didn’t match her green shoes” is a misplaced modifier, since it describes not the dance but the dress. It is incorrectly placed in the sentence.
Example Question #166 :Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Ryanwas elatedto find thediamond men's chainon the street, but decided it would be more prudent to find outwhomit belonged tothan tokeep it himself.No error
whom
was elated
than to
diamond men's chain
No error
diamond men's chain
The word "diamond" in the phrase "diamond men's chain" is a misplaced modifier. In its current placement in the sentence, "diamond" looks to be modifying "men's" instead of properly modifying chain. To fix it, we would move the modifier so that the phrase becomes "men's diamond chain."
Example Question #167 :Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Hansel and Gretelwere luredinto going into thecandy witch's house, which was made of gingerbread and various kinds of sweets; because of their hunger, theywere not awareof the trap the witch had set until it wasnearly too late.No error
were not aware
candy witch's house
were lured
No error
nearly too late
candy witch's house
The phrase "candy witch's house" is incorrect because it is the house that is made of candy, not the witch. Therefore, we must move the modifier "candy" in the phrase to correctly refer to "house" - "witch's candy house."
Example Question #168 :Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Wecouldn't believehow many ingredients Kellywas ableto fit into thatchicken giant burrito, and weimmediatelyknew we couldn't finish it in one meal.No error
couldn't believe
No error
immediately
was able
chicken giant burrito
chicken giant burrito
In the phrase "chicken giant burrito," it appears that "chicken" is improperly modifying "giant." The phrase "giant chicken burrito" corrects this misplaced modifier error.
例子问题# 169:Identifying Phrase, Clause, And Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Marilyn broughther oldred sneakerstothethrift store,which were faded on the sides but otherwise still had strong soles.No error
which were faded on the sides but otherwise still had strong soles
her old
to
thrift store
No error
which were faded on the sides but otherwise still had strong soles
The phrase "which were faded on the sides but otherwise still had strong soles" is a misplaced modifier—it is currently modifying "the thrift store," but should instead be modifying "sneakers."
Example Question #1 :Identifying Misplaced Or Interrupting Modifier Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The state isrightfullyvery hesitant to give teenagers drivers' licenseswho have not had training, asthere isa higher chanceof those teenagersgetting into accidents.No error
who have not had training
of those teenagers
there is
No error
rightfully
who have not had training
In the current form of the sentence, the phrase "who have not had training" is incorrectly modifying "drivers' licenses." Instead, the phrase should modify "teenagers" ("teenagers who have not had training").
Example Question #1 :Identifying Misplaced Or Interrupting Modifier Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
We didn't have to looktoo hardfor the owner of thegreen striped men's socks; only Jeremywould everwearsocks that tacky.No error
would ever
green striped men's socks
No error
socks that tacky
too hard
green striped men's socks
In the sentence above, the adjectives "green" and "striped" are intended to modify "socks" but have been misplaced to modify "men's" instead.
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