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Difficulty: MediumSubject-Modifier Agreement

Using a highly specialized spectrograph to observe distant stars, ________. This work ultimately led to the discovery of the first exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A
    the specialized spectrograph recorded the subtle gravitational tug of an orbiting planet
  2. B
    the subtle gravitational tug of an orbiting planet was detected by astronomer Michel Mayor
  3. C
    the detection of the subtle gravitational tug of an orbiting planet was achieved by astronomer Michel Mayor
  4. astronomer Michel Mayor detected the subtle gravitational tug of an orbiting planetAnswer

Answer

astronomer Michel Mayor detected the subtle gravitational tug of an orbiting planet
The introductory modifying phrase 'Using a highly specialized spectrograph to observe distant stars' describes an action that must be performed by a person. The correct answer choice begins with the logical subject 'astronomer Michel Mayor,' placing the person who performed the action immediately after the modifier.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase and determine who or what it logically describes.
The phrase 'Using a highly specialized spectrograph to observe distant stars' describes an action that must be performed by a person (an astronomer) rather than an inanimate object or an abstract concept.
An introductory modifier must be immediately followed by its logical subject to avoid dangling or misplaced modifiers.
2
Evaluate the options to find the one that begins with the logical subject.
The option starting with 'astronomer Michel Mayor' correctly places the person performing the action immediately after the comma.
This alignment ensures proper subject-modifier agreement and conforms to the conventions of Standard English.

Key Concept

Subject-Modifier Agreement
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Topics

Subject-Modifier Agreement

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