Grade 7 · Reading & language
Give an introductory modifier a clear doer
Repair a dangling introductory modifier by making its intended doer the main-clause subject.
6 authored questions + worked example
Worked example
Intended meaning: Jo was carrying the boxes and dropped a key. Which revision gives carrying a clear doer?
Answer & why
Answer: Carrying the boxes, Jo dropped a key.
Jo carries the boxes, so Jo is the subject after the introductory phrase.
All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Intended meaning: Ravi walked home and noticed a rainbow. Which revision is clear?
- Walking home, the sky brightened for Ravi.
- Walking home, Ravi noticed a rainbow.
- Walking home, a rainbow appeared above Ravi.
- Walking home, a rainbow was noticed by Ravi.
A hint
The subject after an introductory action phrase should be the person or thing performing that action.
Answer & why
Answer: Walking home, Ravi noticed a rainbow.
Ravi is walking home, so Ravi should be the subject after the phrase.
Question 2
Intended meaning: We used a map and found the trail. Which revision is clear?
- Using a map, the trail was found by us.
- Using a map, the trail became visible.
- Using a map, we found the trail.
- Using a map, our destination was reached.
A hint
The subject after an introductory action phrase should be the person or thing performing that action.
Answer & why
Answer: Using a map, we found the trail.
We use the map. Trail and destination cannot be its intended users.
Question 3
Intended meaning: The painter balanced on a ladder and finished the wall. Which revision is clear?
- Balancing on a ladder, the paint dried quickly.
- Balancing on a ladder, the wall was finished by the painter.
- Balancing on a ladder, the painter finished the wall.
- Balancing on a ladder, the room looked brighter.
A hint
The subject after an introductory action phrase should be the person or thing performing that action.
Answer & why
Answer: Balancing on a ladder, the painter finished the wall.
The painter balances, so the painter must be the subject modified by the phrase.
Question 4
Intended meaning: I reviewed the notes and understood the solution. Which revision is clear?
- After reviewing the notes, the solution was understood by me.
- After reviewing the notes, the page was clearer.
- After reviewing the notes, the solution became obvious.
- After reviewing the notes, I understood the solution.
A hint
The subject after an introductory action phrase should be the person or thing performing that action.
Answer & why
Answer: After reviewing the notes, I understood the solution.
I is the reviewer; giving I as the subject states that relationship directly.
Question 5
Intended meaning: Jo was carrying the boxes and dropped a key. Which revision gives carrying a clear doer?
- Carrying the boxes, a key fell from Jo’s pocket.
- Carrying the boxes, the key was dropped by Jo.
- Carrying the boxes, the floor caught a key.
- Carrying the boxes, Jo dropped a key.
A hint
The subject after an introductory action phrase should be the person or thing performing that action.
Answer & why
Answer: Carrying the boxes, Jo dropped a key.
Jo carries the boxes, so Jo is the subject after the introductory phrase.
Question 6
Intended meaning: Mina read the instructions and assembled the shelf. Which revision is clear?
- After reading the instructions, the screws were tightened.
- After reading the instructions, the diagram became clear.
- After reading the instructions, the shelf was assembled by Mina.
- After reading the instructions, Mina assembled the shelf.
A hint
The subject after an introductory action phrase should be the person or thing performing that action.
Answer & why
Answer: After reading the instructions, Mina assembled the shelf.
Mina reads and assembles; naming Mina as subject prevents the shelf or screws from seeming to read.
Little Learnersplay. practice. discover.