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Modifier and Importance

Description: Modifier and Importance
Number of Questions: 20
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Tags: Modifier and Importance Modifier Importance
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Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

When five years old, my mother enrolled in medical school and she still says that once we truly understand and accept that studying medicine is difficult, then it is no longer difficult, because once it is accepted, the fact no longer matters.

  1. When five years old, my mother enrolled in medical school

  2. My mother, when I was five years old, enrolled in medical school

  3. When my mother enrolled me in medical school, I was five years old

  4. When I was five years old, my mother enrolled in medical school

  5. My mother enrolled herself in medical school, when I was five years old

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: Dangling modifier

The sentence is illogical as it means that when my mother was five years old, she enrolled in medical school.

Explanation for (2): The sentence is incorrect as it unnecessarily splits the subject and the verb.
Explanation for (3): The option muddles up the basic facts as it is not possible for a daughter to be enrolled in medical school at the age of five.
Justification for (4): The option rightfully suggests that I (not my mother) was five years old when she enrolled in medical school. Explanation for (5): The sentence introduces reflexive 'herself' unnecessarily.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The managing director of the company said on Saturday, any change in a personal business relationship should be brought to his notice.

  1. The managing director of the company said on Saturday, any change in personal business relationship should be brought to his notice.

  2. The managing director of the company on Saturday said, any change in personal business relationship should be brought to his notice.

  3. The managing director of the company said, any change in personal business relationship should be brought to his notice by Saturday.

  4. The managing director of the company said, any change in personal business relationships on Saturday should be brought to his notice.

  5. On Saturday, the managing director of the company said, any change in the personal business relationship should be brought to his notice.

Show answer
Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: misplaced modifier The modifier 'on Saturday' is placed between two parts of the sentence and it is not modifying either of them.

Explanation for (2): 'On Saturday said' is incorrect grammar and the modifier is again placed between two phrases and it is not modifying either of them.

Explanation for (3): This option changes the meaning of the sentence.
Explanation for (4): The modifier 'on Saturday' is misplaced and the sentence makes no sense. Justification for (5): The modifier 'on Saturday' is placed close to the modifying clause 'the managing director of the company said' and the sentence states that the managing director gave instructions on Saturday. Hence, the sentence is correct.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The student advisor recommended that she studies more English before enrolling at the university.

  1. that she studies more English before enrolling at the university

  2. that she studied more English before she enrolled at the university

  3. that she should study more English before enrolling at the university

  4. that she study more English before enrolling at the university

  5. that more English be studied by her before she enrolls at the university

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Recommend emphasizes importance. Hence, auxiliary form 'studies' should be replaced by 'study'.

Explanation for (2): The change of tense makes no coherent sense.

Explanation for (3): 'Should study' seems correct. But this violates the basic rule of 'importance' that where the modifying clause emphasizes importance of an action, the modified clause uses no auxiliary or modal.
Justification for (4): Recommend emphasizes importance. Hence, auxiliary form 'studies' should be replaced by 'study'. Explanation for (5): This option unnecessarily changes the voice.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Having convinced herself about the futility of any strict regimen, she ignored the suggestion that she should get more exercise.

  1. she ignored the suggestion that she should get more exercise

  2. she ignored the suggestion for more exercise

  3. she ignored the suggestion for getting more of exercise

  4. she ignored the suggestion that she get more exercise

  5. she ignored the suggestion that she be getting more exercise

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The rule of importance demands that ‘should’ be deleted.

Explanation for (2): This option changes the structure of the sentence.
Explanation for (3): This option changes the structure of the sentence.
Justification for (4): The rule of importance demands that ‘should’ be deleted. When a modifying clause stresses on the importance of the task, the helping verb is not required in the modified clause.  Explanation for (5): The option corrects the error of importance, but unnecessarily changes the voice and makes the sentence roundabout.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Rock music is so inviting and luxuriating that walking to the rock concert, the cloud burst drenched Adam, and rather than going back home for changing his clothes, he continued walking to the concert.

  1. walking to the rock concert, the cloudburst drenched Adam

  2. the cloudburst drenched Adam, walking to the rock concert

  3. Adam was drenched by the cloudburst, walking to the rock concert

  4. walking to the rock concert, Adam was drenched by the cloudburst

  5. the cloudburst walking to the rock concert drenched Adam

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: dangling modifier

Because of the placement of the modifying clause, 'walking to the rock concert', this sentence suggests that the cloudburst was walking to the concert even though a possible walker Adam is mentioned later.

Explanation for (2): In this option too it appears that the cloudburst was walking to the rock concert.
Explanation for (3): The option fails to rectify the error of misplaced modifier.
Justification for (4): The option rectifies the error of dangling modifier. The sentence now means that Adam was drenched by the cloudburst while he was walking to the rock concert.         Explanation for (5): The option suggests that the cloudburst was walking to the rock concert and is hence incorrect.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Written in 1996, David Baldacci scored a literary hit with his thriller first novel, Absolute Power.

  1. Written in 1996, David Baldacci scored a literary hit with his thriller first novel, Absolute Power.

  2. Written in 1991, David Baldacci scored a literary hit with Absolute power, his thriller first novel.

  3. Written in 1991, Absolute power, the first thriller novel by David Baldacci, was a literary hit.

  4. Absolute power, which was written in 1996, by David Baldacci, scored a literary hit with his thriller first novel.

  5. Absolute power the thriller first novel written in 1961 scored a literary hit for David Baldacci.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): What was written in 1996? The answer is 'Absolute Power'. The error is of misplaced modifier.

Explanation for (2): This option fails to correct the error of misplaced modifier.

Justification for (3): What was written in 1996? The answer is 'Absolute Power'. The error is of misplaced modifier. Only option (3) places 'Absolute Power' in the correct place.
Explanation for (4): A book cannot score a literary hit; only a person can. Explanation for (5): A book cannot score a literary hit; only a person can.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. Looking toward the west, a funnel shaped cloud stirred up dust and a man came out of his house and cried, “we will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid our problems and the suffering they cause”.

  1. Looking toward the west, a funnel shaped cloud stirred up dust

  2. A funnel shaped cloud stirred up dust, looking toward the west

  3. Looking toward the west, I saw a funnel shaped cloud stir up dust

  4. While I was looking toward the west, a funnel shaped cloud stirred up dust

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: dangling modifier

Here the dangling modifier is, 'looking toward the west'. The sentence does not specify who is looking toward west. Since the modifier, looking toward the west, is sitting next to the funnel shaped cloud, the sentence suggests that the cloud is doing the looking.

Explanation for (2): It appears that the funnel shaped cloud is looking toward the west.
Justification for (3): In this option the modifier, 'looking toward the west' is modifying 'I saw a funnel shaped cloud stir up dust'. Now the sentence means that I was looking toward the west.
Explanation for (4): 'I' should be added to the phrase that is to be modified and not to the modifier itself. Explanation for (5): There is an unnecessary shift in voice from active to passive.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. With the usual display of semi-barbaric pomp, arrangements were made by Albert to engage in the perilous holy war, from which few ever returned.

  1. arrangements were made by Albert to engage in the perilous holy war

  2. Albert made arrangements to engage in the perilous holy war

  3. arrangements are made by Albert to engage in the perilous holy war

  4. arrangements are to be made by Albert to engage in the perilous holy war

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has error of modifier. “With the usual display of semi-barbaric pomp” is dangling phrase and does not have subject to modify.

Justification for (2): The sentence has error of modifier. “With the usual display of semi-barbaric pomp” is dangling phrase and does not have subject to modify. This option rectifies the error of modifier by adding the subject immediately after the modified phrase.

Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of modifier and there is also shift in tense which makes the option incorrect.
Explanation for (4): This option does not rectify the error of modifier and there is also shift in tense (are to be made) which makes the option incorrect. Explanation for (5): This option rectifies the error of modifier but introduces another error of redundancy by inserting 'himself' in the sentence.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

During audition, it is hoarse and throaty, but as such it is gentle and coherent.

  1. During audition, it is hoarse and throaty, but as such it is gentle and coherent.

  2. During audition, they are hoarse and throaty, but as such they are gentle and coherent.

  3. During audition, they have hoarse and throaty voice, but as such they are gentle and coherent.

  4. During audition, it is hoarse and throaty, but as such the voice is gentle and coherent.

  5. During audition, the voice is hoarse and throaty, but otherwise it is gentle and coherent.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): What is hoarse and throaty? (or) what is gentle and coherent? The answer is 'voice'. The 'it' has no antecedent in the sentence. 

Explanation for (2): This option simply changes singular 'it' to they without correcting the error of modifier.

Explanation for (3): This option changes the meaning of the sentence.
Justification for (4): What is hoarse and throaty? (or) what is gentle and coherent? The answer is 'voice'. The 'it' has no antecedent in the sentence, which is corrected only in (4). Explanation for (5): This option corrects the error of modifier but makes unwarranted changes.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

During his youth, he used to work out ten times as much as he jogged, but today in his middle age he is doing less of it.

  1. but today in his middle age he is doing less of it

  2. but today in his middle age he is doing less of working out

  3. but today in his middle age he is doing little of it

  4. but today in his middle age he is doing less of either

  5. but today in his middle age he is doing little of both

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Less of what? Jogging (or) working out? The picture is unclear.

Justification for (2): Less of what? Jogging (or) working out? The picture is clarified in option (2) only.

Explanation for (3): Simply changing the adjective does not correct the error of modifier.
Explanation for (4): 'Less of either' makes no sense; 'less of both' might make sense. Explanation for (5): 'Less of both' might make sense although it would change the meaning, but 'little of both' involves unwarranted change.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Having passed the examination, the college awarded him the best student medal.

  1. the college awarded him the best student medal.

  2. the college awarded him best student medal.

  3. he was awarded the best student medal by the college.

  4. the best student medal of the college was awarded to him.

  5. he was awarded by the college the best student medal.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): It is not clear who passed the examination, the college or the student? ‘The college’ is placed near ‘the examination’. It gives an impression that the college has passed the examination. So, an appropriate subject is required to rectify the error. Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error of dangling modifier and introduces another error of definite article. Justification for (3): It is not clear who passed the examination, the college or the student? ‘The college’ is placed near ‘the examination’. It gives an impression that the college has passed the examination. So, an appropriate subject is required to rectify the error. This option corrects the error of dangling modifier. ‘He’ has passed the examination and not ‘the college’.  Explanation for (4): The option does not rectify the error of dangling modifier as it does not insert any subject. Explanation for (5): The option inserts a subject ‘he’ to rectify the error of modifier but introduces error of misplaced modifier by placing ‘the best student medal’ after ‘the college’.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

But it hardly can ignore the long term impact of his rebellion and the message it sends to the party workers.

  1. But it hardly can ignore the long term impact of

  2. But it can hardly ignore the long term impact of

  3. But it cannot ignore the long term impact of

  4. But hardly can it ignore long term impact of

  5. But it can ignore hardly the long term impact of

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of misplaced modifier. The modifier should be placed near the word which it is supposed to modify. 'Hardly' is supposed to modify 'ignore' but is placed before 'can'.

Justification for (2): Adverb of degree comes before the word it modifies. 'Hardly' is supposed to modify 'ignore' but is placed before 'can'. This option corrects the error of placing of adverb of degree.

Explanation for (3): The option changes the meaning of the sentence. Thus it is eliminated.
Explanation for (4): The option does not rectify the error of misplaced modifier. Explanation for (5): The option does not rectify the error of misplaced modifier.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. The day of the opening Isabelle spent quietly at home, except for a ride in the Park.

  1. The day of the opening Isabelle spent quietly at home, except for a ride in the Park.

  2. Except for a ride in the park, the day of the opening Isabelle spent quietly at home.

  3. Except for a ride in the Park, Isabelle spent the day of the opening quietly at home.

  4. The day of the opening, except for a ride in the park, Isabelle spent quietly at home.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): This option has a sentence fragment 'except for a ride in the park'

Explanation for (2): This option has a modifier error. The phrase 'Except for a ride in the park' is followed by 'the day…' rather than a person.

Justification for (3): This option corrects the error of sentence fragment.
Explanation for (4): This option presents an awkward grammatical construction. Explanation for (5): This option presents an awkward grammatical construction.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The management of the company decided after the admissions got over to hold a small tea party.

  1. after the admissions got over to hold a small tea party

  2. to hold a small tea party after the admissions got over

  3. after the admissions to plan a small tea party

  4. after the admissions a small tea party to be held

  5. a small tea party to be held after the exams got over

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: Misplaced modifier

It is important to place the modifying phrase or clause as close as possible to the word or words it modifies. The given sentence is incorrect because of the misplacement of the modifier.

Justification for (2): The given option corrects the error because the modifier has been placed close to the words it should modify.
Explanation for (3): The option does not correct the error of misplacement of modifier.
Explanation for (4): The modifying phrase is not placed close enough to the word it is supposed to modify. Explanation for (5): The change of voice fails to correct the error of misplacement of modifier.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The bitter cold the west is experiencing is potentially life threatening to stranded motorists unless well-insulated with protective clothing.

  1. stranded motorists unless well-insulated

  2. stranded motorists unless being insulated

  3. stranded motorists unless they are well-insulated

  4. stranded motorists unless there is insulation

  5. the stranded motorists unless insulated

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): What (or who) needs to be well-insulated? The answer is 'motorist'. This modifier is missing in the sentence.

Explanation for (2): The option makes no coherent sense.

Justification for (3): What (or who) needs to be well-insulated? The answer is 'motorist'. This is a missing modifier sentence and only (3) rectifies the error.
Explanation for (4): This changes the meaning of the sentence. Explanation for (5): What (or who) needs to be well-insulated? The answer is 'motorist'. This modifier is missing in the original sentence as well as this option.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Let me tell you this is not simply possible.

  1. Let me tell you this is not simply possible.

  2. Let me tell you that this is not simply possible.

  3. Let I tell you this is simply not possible.

  4. Let me tell you that this is simply not possible.

  5. Let me tell you this is not possible.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence is awkward due to the incorrect placement of modifier 'simply'. Also it will be preferable to use 'that' after 'tell you'.

Explanation for (2): Though the option uses 'that', it does not rectify the error of modifier.

Explanation for (3): Though the option rectifies the error of modifier, it introduces an error of pronoun ('I' in place of 'me'). 'Let' is always followed by objective pronoun.
Justification for (4): The option rectifies the error of modifier and places 'that' after tell you, which makes the sentence grammatically correct. Explanation for (5): The option does not rectify error of modifier but deletes modifier and changes the meaning of the statement.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

I often have thought of writing a hymn on the Beauty of Viceroys; and have repeatedly attuned my mind to the subject.

  1. I often have thought of writing a hymn on the Beauty of Viceroys

  2. I have often thought to write a hymn on the Beauty of Viceroys

  3. I have often thought of writing a hymn on the Beauty of Viceroys

  4. I have often thought of writing a hymn for the Beauty of Viceroys

  5. Often have I thought of writing a hymn for the Beauty of Viceroys

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears error of misplaced modifier. 'Often' should be placed near the word which it is supposed to modify (thought of writing).

Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error of misplaced modifier. Besides it introduces the error of preposition ('to write' in place of 'of writing').

Justification for (3): This option corrects the error of misplaced modifier. 'Often' should be placed near the word which it is supposed to modify (thought of writing).
Explanation for (4): The option rectifies the error of misplaced modifier, but introduces the error of preposition ('hymn for beauty' in place 'hymn on beauty'). Explanation for (5): The option does not rectify the error of misplaced modifier. Besides it introduces the error of preposition ('hymn for beauty' in place 'hymn on beauty').

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. When the First World War was over, no nation had either been isolated in war or peace.

  1. either been isolated in war or peace.

  2. been either isolated in war peace.

  3. been isolated neither in war nor peace.

  4. been isolated either in war or in peace.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Either……..or' should be placed near the words they are supposed to modify. In this sentence, they are supposed to modify 'in war' and 'in peace'.

Explanation for (2): The option compounds the error of parallel construction by deleting 'or' and changing place of 'either'.

Explanation for (3): Use of 'neither……nor' in place of 'either…….or' is incorrect because neither refers to no one of the two and either refers to one of the two. Thus the option is eliminated.
Justification for (4): 'Either……..or' should be placed near the words they are supposed to modify. In this sentence, they are supposed to modify 'in war' and 'in peace'. This option corrects the error. Explanation for (5): Use of 'neither……nor' in place of 'either…….or', changes the meaning of the sentence. Thus the option is eliminated.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

You hardly exercise with that ball for ten minutes and your mind goes into a much relaxed state.

  1. You hardly exercise with that ball for ten minutes

  2. You exercise hardly with that ball for ten minutes

  3. You exercise with that ball hardly for ten minutes

  4. You exercise with that ball for ten hard minutes

  5. You exercise with that ball for hardly ten minutes

Show answer
Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: misplaced modifier

It is important to place the modifying word or clause as close as possible to the word or words it modifies. The given sentence contains the limiting modifier, 'hardly' which changes the entire meaning of the sentence since it is placed next to the wrong word. Hardly is modifying exercise. Hence 'hardly exercise' means that he does not exercise.

Explanation for (2): The modifier 'hardly' is modifying the wrong clause 'with that ball'. Hence 'hardly with that ball' means that he does not use that ball to exercise.
Explanation for (3): The modifier 'hardly' is not placed closest to the phrase or word it should have modified, i.e. 'ten minutes'.
Explanation for (4): The given option incorrectly replaces 'hardly' with 'hard'. Justification for (5): The given option rectifies the error of modifier. 'Hardly' modifies the correct set of words 'ten minutes'. 'You exercise with that ball for hardly ten minutes' means that you exercise with that ball for as  little as ten minutes.

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