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Question

Difficulty: MediumMisplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Read the passage below and select the phrase that best replaces the underlined portion to correct the sentence structure and modifier placement. Which of the phrases from the options list correctly completes the sentence to avoid a modifier error?

Options to choose from:
- NO CHANGE (which leaves 'a hidden cache of gold coins was discovered by the archaeologists')
- the archaeologists discovered a hidden cache of gold coins
- the archaeologists discovering a hidden cache of gold coins
- the archaeologists discovered a hidden cache of gold coins, they were excited

Answer:While excavating the subterranean chambers of the ancient Roman villa, a hidden cache of gold coins was discovered by the archaeologists.

Corrected phrase: 【the archaeologists discovered a hidden cache of gold coins】

Answer

the archaeologists discovered a hidden cache of gold coins
The correct answer resolves the dangling modifier by placing the logical subject, 'the archaeologists,' immediately after the introductory clause. This ensures that the introductory phrase 'While excavating the subterranean chambers of the ancient Roman villa' correctly modifies the entity performing the action.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase in the sentence.
The introductory phrase is 'While excavating the subterranean chambers of the ancient Roman villa,' which is a participial modifier.
This phrase describes an action that must be performed by a logical subject immediately following the comma.
2
Determine the logical subject of the action in the modifier.
The entity doing the excavating must be 'the archaeologists.'
An inanimate object like 'a hidden cache of gold coins' cannot excavate a villa.
3
Select the option that places the logical subject immediately after the comma and forms a complete, grammatically correct sentence.
The phrase 'the archaeologists discovered a hidden cache of gold coins' provides the correct subject and a complete main clause.
This eliminates the dangling modifier without creating a fragment or a comma splice.

Key Concept

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

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