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Question

Difficulty: EasyModifier Placement

How should the following segments be ordered to construct a clear, grammatically correct sentence that avoids misplaced modifiers?

  1. 1While walking to the local library,
  2. 2Maya
  3. 3found a lost wallet
  4. 4lying on the sidewalk.

Answer

While walking to the local library, Maya found a lost wallet lying on the sidewalk.
The correct sentence structure starts with the introductory modifier 'While walking to the local library,' which is immediately followed by the logical subject 'Maya'. The main clause 'found a lost wallet' is then completed by the modifying phrase 'lying on the sidewalk', which correctly describes the wallet.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase.
The phrase 'While walking to the local library,' describes a temporary action.
Introductory phrases must be followed immediately by the actor performing the action to prevent a dangling modifier.
2
Determine the subject of the action and place it next.
Place 'Maya' directly after the comma.
Since Maya is the one walking, placing her name here establishes her as the logical subject of the introductory modifier.
3
Add the main verb and direct object.
Follow the subject with 'found a lost wallet'.
This establishes the main action and object of the sentence.
4
Position the remaining modifier.
Attach 'lying on the sidewalk.' at the end.
Placing this modifying phrase next to 'wallet' clearly shows that the wallet, not Maya, was lying on the sidewalk.

Key Concept

Introductory modifiers must immediately precede the noun they describe, and modifying phrases within a sentence must be placed as close as possible to the nouns they modify to ensure clarity.
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Topics

Modifier Placement

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