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Difficulty: MediumMisplaced and Dangling Modifiers

To avoid a dangling modifier, the introductory phrase must logically modify the subject of the clause that follows it. Complete the sentence by typing the correct phrase from the brackets: [the geologist published her findings, the findings of the geologist were published].

Answer:Having spent years analyzing the composition of Martian soil, 【the geologist published her findings】.

Answer

the geologist published her findings
The phrase 'the geologist published her findings' is correct because 'the geologist' is the logical subject who performed the action of analyzing Martian soil. This correctly links the introductory modifier to the noun it modifies.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the logical subject of the introductory modifying phrase.
The introductory phrase 'Having spent years analyzing the composition of Martian soil' describes an action that must be performed by a person, specifically the geologist.
An introductory participial phrase must modify the subject of the main clause that immediately follows it.
2
Select the phrase that places the logical subject immediately after the comma.
The phrase 'the geologist published her findings' places 'the geologist' as the subject of the main clause, creating a logical relationship. The passive option 'the findings of the geologist were published' places 'the findings' as the subject, which causes a dangling modifier error.
Placing the correct noun immediately after the comma ensures the sentence is clear and grammatically correct.

Key Concept

To correct a dangling modifier, the logical subject of the introductory phrase must serve as the subject of the main clause.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

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