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Question

Difficulty: MediumAdjectives, Adverbs, and Modifiers

Consider the sentence fragment below:

'After analyzing the statistical trends of urban migration, __________.'

Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence above without creating a dangling modifier?

  1. the demographers published a comprehensive report on population density.Answer
  2. B
    a comprehensive report on population density was published.
  3. C
    the publication of a comprehensive report took place.
  4. D
    population density became the primary subject of a new report.

Answer

The sentence is correctly completed by introducing the logical subject after the modifying clause: 'the demographers published a comprehensive report on population density.'
The introductory modifier 'After analyzing the statistical trends of urban migration' requires a subject capable of performing the action of analyzing. The option beginning with 'the demographers' provides the logical agent directly following the modifier, ensuring correct grammatical structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the introductory modifier phrase
The phrase 'After analyzing the statistical trends of urban migration' describes an action that requires a human actor or analytical agent.
An introductory participial phrase must modify the explicit subject of the principal clause that immediately follows it.
2
Evaluate the subject of each option for logical alignment
'The demographers' is the only noun phrase capable of analyzing data. The alternative options use passive or abstract concepts ('report', 'publication', 'population density').
Placing an inanimate noun after an active modifier results in a dangling modifier error.
3
Select the option that maintains grammatical correctness
The option beginning with 'the demographers' creates a coherent, syntactically correct sentence.
It places the true modifier agent directly after the comma.

Key Concept

Dangling and Misplaced Participial Modifiers
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Topics

Adjectives, Adverbs, and Modifiers

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