Ling 10 June 18, 2002

Practice with Misplaced Modifiers, Dangling Participles, etc.

For each of the following sentences, 1) identify the problem (i.e. split infinitive) and 2) recast the sentence so that it would be acceptable to the snobbiest prescriptivist. Some sentences may have more than one problem; some may have no problems. (Please fix the problem; don't just delete the problem word or phrase.)

 

  1. Being a graduate of Penn, the tearing down of the goal posts is appalling.

    2.  

     

  2. Theresa hung the poster of Ricky Martin in her room with no shirt.

    3.  

     

  3. I want you to not do that!

    4.  

     

  4. Between you and me, I'm the best singer.

    5.  

     

  5. Her best friend is smart, a singer, and likes to dance.

    6.  

     

  6. I only want to be with you.

    7.  

     

  7. To really be a good friend, I want you to make me a cake on my birthday.

    8.  

     

  8. As a member of this club, it's ridiculous that we should have to move to a new location.

    9.  

     

  9. Someone tried to light the flag on fire that we have hanging from our house.

    10.  

     

  10. John Street is better than all the mayors of Philadelphia.