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Question

Difficulty: HardMisplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Read the sentence below. The introductory phrase 'Although historically classified as a dwarf planet' acts as a modifier. To prevent a dangling modifier, the subject of the main clause must be the logical entity being modified. Fill in the blank with the single proper noun that correctly completes the sentence.

Answer:Although historically classified as a dwarf planet, 【Pluto】 remains a primary subject of study for astronomers seeking to understand the outer reaches of our solar system.

Answer

Pluto
The proper noun 'Pluto' is the correct answer because it represents the actual celestial body that is historically classified as a dwarf planet. Placing 'Pluto' immediately after the introductory modifying phrase ensures that the modifier clearly and logically describes the subject of the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the introductory modifying phrase.
The phrase 'Although historically classified as a dwarf planet' describes a physical celestial body, not a concept, status, or orbit.
To avoid a dangling modifier, the subject of the main clause must be the noun that is directly described by this introductory phrase.
2
Determine the correct logical subject.
The proper noun 'Pluto' represents the actual celestial body that was classified as a dwarf planet.
Using possessive forms like 'Pluto's status' or 'Pluto's orbit' as the subject would incorrectly suggest that the status or orbit itself was classified as a dwarf planet.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting dangling modifiers by ensuring the introductory modifying phrase is immediately followed by the noun it logically modifies.
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Topics

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

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