16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardDangling modifier with an -ing opener

Standard English Conventions practice question

Hoping to catch the early ferry, ____

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

  1. A. the family packed the car the night before.Correct
  2. B. the car was packed the night before.
  3. C. the night before was spent packing the car.
  4. D. the packing of the car was done the night before.

Answer: A. the family packed the car the night before.

Those hoping are the family, so they must be the subject.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the car was packed the night before.
Makes the car the one hoping.
C. the night before was spent packing the car.
Makes the night the one hoping.
D. the packing of the car was done the night before.
Makes the packing the one hoping.

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