CHAPTER 15 / ESSENTIAL GRAMMAR SKILLS 539
Answer Key 7:
Dangling and Misplaced Participles
Each revised sentence below represents only one pos-
sible revision to correct the dangling participle. We
have chosen what seems to be the clearest and most
concise of the possibilities.- participle: looking. It seems to me, as I look at your
essay,that you need to be more specific. - participle: turning. As we turnedthe corner, the
stadium came into view. - participle: exhausted. Although Martha wasex-
hausted after the night’s work, hercreative in-
stincts compelled her to keep writing.
17.David’s eagerness got the better of him, and without
waiting for an answer, he left in a flash.
18.Thinking her friends were right behind her, Alison
was frightenedto discover that they were gone.
Concept Review 7
- the noun phrase that it modifies
- past participle pushed,present participle pushing
- past participle run(notran), present participle
running - past participle taken(nottook), present participle
taking - gerund (It’s the object of the verb loved.)
- present participle (The verb is would be working.)
- gerund (It’s the subject of the verb was.)
- participle: falling,verb participle
- participle: falling,adjective
- participles: tarnishedandchipped,adjectives
- participle: chipped,verb participle
- participle: damaging,adjective
- participle: run,verb participle
Worksheet 7
Each revised sentence below represents only one pos-
sible revision to correct the dangling participle. We
have chosen what seems to be the clearest and most
concise of the possibilities.
- participle: angered. Although angered by the irra-
tionality of his opponent, Senator Sanchez planned
to address each point calmly. - participle: watching. As we watchedfrom the
bridge, the fireworks bloomed spectacularly over
the water. - participle: admitting. Because Megan would not
admither transgression, the club found it hard to
forgive her. - participle: discolored. Although mildly discolored
by the harsh sunlight, the sofa has retained much
of its original beauty.(Correct) - participle: exhausted. The looming storm forced
the hikers, exhausted from the day’s climbing, to
pitch an early camp.
6. participle: having. Having studied for hours, I was
verydisappointed to doso poorly on the exam.
7. participle: being. Without yourbeing aware of it,
termites can infest your home if you don’t take the
proper precautions.
8. participle: working. Before I startedworking at the
bank, no one thought I could hold such a respon-
sible position.
9. participle: lacking. Lacking any real sailing skills,
David was mainly concernedwith keeping the ship
afloat. - participle: wanting. Not wanting to be fooled again,
she had her husband followed by a private investi-
gator.(Correct)