Grammar Quiz: Modifiers

Instructions: Some of the following sentences contain a misplaced or dangling modifier. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that, because of its incorrect position within a sentence, modifies the wrong thing. A dangling modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies an element that is missing from a sentence. If there is no error, choose the "no error" option.

Note: In the feedback, "Concise" refers to the related section in the Concise edition of The Canadian Writer's Handbook. "Essentials" refers to the related section in the Essentials edition of the handbook.

. Hanging on a tree branch in the park, I saw a pair of shoes.

. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce stress by simply staying active and allowing time to relax.

. Looking around the aisle of my local drugstore, I was amazed by the varieties of cosmetics that are available today.

. When examining Pablo Picasso's art, his paintings often portray distorted faces.

. My studies have been focused on the social sciences, having taken two political science courses and one sociology course.

. Photovoltaic cells convert light energy from the sun and store this energy in batteries for easy use.

. Moving to Winnipeg has been a difficult experience because I left my father at home, who is a recent widower.

. Living in southern British Columbia, her home was affected by the recent wildfires.

. Every year, the conference gathers together the region's top experts on water protection and pollution, which is hosted by the local conservation authority.

. Leaving home for my first apartment, there was a sense of excitement.

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