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Question

Difficulty: EasySubject-Modifier Agreement

Complete the text by filling in the blank with a noun phrase that conforms to the conventions of Standard English (specifically, subject-modifier agreement).

Answer:Using sticky, glistening droplets to trap unsuspecting insects, 【the sundew plant】 survives in nutrient-poor bogs by extracting nitrogen directly from its prey.

Answer

the sundew plant (or a similar noun phrase identifying the plant itself as the subject)
The introductory phrase 'Using sticky, glistening droplets to trap unsuspecting insects' is a participial modifier that must describe the grammatical subject that follows it. Since the sundew plant is the entity that uses these droplets, the main clause must begin with a noun phrase representing the plant (such as 'the sundew plant' or 'the plant') to maintain subject-modifier agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the introductory modifying phrase.
The phrase 'Using sticky, glistening droplets to trap unsuspecting insects' describes an action.
To identify what entity must serve as the subject of the sentence.
2
Determine the logical subject of the action.
The sundew plant is the entity that uses sticky droplets to trap insects.
To ensure the modifier logically and grammatically aligns with the subject of the main clause.
3
Formulate the subject noun phrase to fill the blank.
The noun phrase 'the sundew plant' (or 'the plant') is placed directly after the modifier.
This establishes correct subject-modifier agreement and avoids a dangling or misplaced modifier.

Key Concept

Subject-Modifier Agreement
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Topics

Subject-Modifier Agreement

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