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Difficulty: EasyMisplaced and Dangling Modifiers

While searching for a rare manuscript in the library's archives, a misplaced letter written by George Washington was discovered by the researcher.

Which of the following versions of the underlined portion makes the sentence grammatically correct?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. the researcher discovered a misplaced letter written by George WashingtonAnswer
  3. C
    the discovery of a misplaced letter written by George Washington was made by the researcher
  4. D
    the researcher, who discovered a misplaced letter written by George Washington

Answer

the researcher discovered a misplaced letter written by George Washington
The correct answer resolves the dangling modifier by placing the logical subject, the researcher, immediately after the introductory modifying phrase. This makes it clear that the researcher was the one searching for the manuscript, and it completes the sentence with a clear active verb.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase and determine what or who it modifies.
The phrase 'While searching for a rare manuscript in the library's archives' describes an action that must be performed by a person (the researcher).
An introductory modifier must logically modify the subject that immediately follows the comma.
2
Select the option that places the logical subject immediately after the comma without introducing new grammatical errors.
Placing 'the researcher discovered...' immediately after the comma resolves the dangling modifier and forms a complete sentence.
This establishes clear subject-modifier relationship and maintains proper independent clause structure.

Key Concept

Introductory dangling modifiers occur when the subject performing the action in the introductory phrase is not placed immediately after the comma.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

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