GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A marketing specialist is creating an advertisement for a new product. Which sentence correctly uses modifiers?
- ARunning quickly, the finish line was crossed by the athlete.
- BHaving studied diligently, a high score was achieved on the exam.
- CCarefully designed, the customers loved the new product's features.
- DTo effectively promote the product, an engaging slogan is crucial.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To effectively promote the product, an engaging slogan is crucial.
Option C correctly places the infinitive phrase 'To effectively promote the product' (a modifier) next to the noun 'slogan,' which it logically modifies. The other options contain misplaced or dangling modifiers.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Dangling modifier; 'Running quickly' modifies 'athlete,' but it's separated from it.
- B. Dangling modifier; 'Having studied diligently' modifies the person who studied, not 'a high score.'
- C. Dangling modifier; 'Carefully designed' should modify 'features' or 'product,' but it appears to modify 'customers'.
Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers
A dangling modifier modifies a word that is not clearly stated in the sentence. A misplaced modifier is placed too far from the word it modifies, leading to confusion or an illogical meaning.
- Modifiers must be placed close to the word they modify.
- A dangling modifier often appears at the beginning of a sentence.
- To fix, either move the modifier or rephrase the sentence to include the missing subject.
Memory trick: Keep the description close to its target, or confusion will start.