SAT Writing - Modifiers

2 main properties of sentences that include dangling modifiers

1. introductory phrase that describes (modifies) the subject but does not name it

2. this phrase is always followed by a comma

introductory phrases often begin with ___ words

-ing

whenever a sentence contains an introductory phrase, the ________ must appear immediately after the comma. if _______

subject - if the subject does not appear in that place, the modifier is dangling and the sentence is incorrect

Incorrect: Stretching from one end of the city to the other, the efficiency of Lisbon's traditional [tram system] often surprises both tourists and city residents.

Correct: Stretching from one end of the city to the other, [Lisbon's traditional tram system] often surprises both tourists and city residents with its efficiency.

this version of the subject placed immediately after an introductory phrase will generally be incorrect

possessive noun

Incorrect: An elementary school teacher from Arkansas, [Bessie Boehm Moore's goal] was to achieve increased funding an support for public libraries.

Correct: An elementary school teacher from Arkansas, Bessie Boehm Moore had the goal of increased funding and support for public libraries.

is it acceptable to begin the main clause with a modifier describing the subject? why or why not?

yes because the description is considered part of the complete subject

e.g. A native of Arkansas, elementary school teacher Bessie Boehm Moore had the goal of achieving increased funding and support for public libraries.

when fixing dangling modifiers, what should you focus on identifying?

identifying who or what the introductory phrase refers to, since the correct answer must place the subject right afterwards

misplaced modifiers occur where in a sentence?

anywhere

the word "which" should refer to what?

the noun before it

Incorrect: Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring revealed the dangers of [pesticides] and initiated the environmental movement, [which] had caused a sharp decline in bird populations.

Correct: The environmental movement was initiated when Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring revealed the dangers of [pesticides], [which] had caused a sharp decline in bird populations.

in cases involving misplaced modifiers with parentheses, information at the beginning of the parentheses must what?

refer to the noun right before it

e.g. Pigeons have long played an important role as messengers, as a result of their homing ability, speed, and altitude. Pigeons were used to transport messages to Paris during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 (a time when the city was surrounded by Prussian troops).