16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardDangling participle with a passive main clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

Having checked the tide tables twice, ____

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

  1. A. the skipper decided to sail at dawn.Correct
  2. B. the decision was made to sail at dawn.
  3. C. dawn was chosen for the sailing.
  4. D. the boat was ready to sail at dawn.

Answer: A. the skipper decided to sail at dawn.

Whoever checked the tables must be the subject: the skipper.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the decision was made to sail at dawn.
Makes the decision the one who checked.
C. dawn was chosen for the sailing.
Makes dawn the one who checked.
D. the boat was ready to sail at dawn.
Makes the boat the one who checked.

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