16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumDangling modifier

Standard English Conventions practice question

Having finished the exam early, ____.

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

  1. A. the students were allowed to leave the hallCorrect
  2. B. the teacher let the students leave the hall
  3. C. the hall emptied out quickly
  4. D. it was possible for the students to leave the hall

Answer: A. the students were allowed to leave the hall

The opening phrase describes whoever finished the exam. Only choice A puts those people — the students — right after the comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the teacher let the students leave the hall
This makes the teacher the one who finished the exam early.
C. the hall emptied out quickly
This makes the hall the one who finished the exam.
D. it was possible for the students to leave the hall
'it' follows the phrase, so 'it' finished the exam — which is meaningless.

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