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Question

Difficulty: HardMisplaced and Dangling Modifiers

After analyzing the distinctive X-ray diffraction patterns of DNA, Rosalind Franklin's critical contribution to the discovery of the double helix was finally recognized by the scientific community.

Which of the following versions of the underlined portion is correct?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    the scientific community, which finally recognized Rosalind Franklin's critical contribution to the discovery of the double helix.
  3. Rosalind Franklin finally received recognition from the scientific community for her critical contribution to the discovery of the double helix.Answer
  4. D
    Rosalind Franklin finally received recognition from the scientific community, her data had been shared without her knowledge.

Answer

The correct option is the phrasing that changes the main subject of the sentence to 'Rosalind Franklin,' ensuring she is the logical actor of the introductory modifier, and avoids any fragment or comma splice errors.
The introductory phrase 'After analyzing the distinctive X-ray diffraction patterns of DNA' is a participial modifier. In standard written English, an introductory modifier must describe the subject of the main clause that immediately follows it. Because the original sentence uses 'Rosalind Franklin's critical contribution' as the subject, it implies that the contribution did the analyzing, which is illogical. The correct revision makes 'Rosalind Franklin' the subject of the main clause, making the relationship clear and logical.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the logical performer of the action in the introductory modifier 'After analyzing the distinctive X-ray diffraction patterns of DNA.'
The person performing the analysis is Rosalind Franklin.
An introductory participial phrase must modify the subject of the main clause.
2
Check the main clause subject in each option to verify it matches the logical performer, ensuring the sentence remains grammatically complete and avoids comma splices.
The revision that makes 'Rosalind Franklin' the subject of a single complete independent clause is correct, while other options either retain the dangling modifier, create a fragment, or introduce a comma splice.
Only one option resolves the modifier error while maintaining correct sentence structure.

Key Concept

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
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Topics

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

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