Modern English part II—Sentence & Complex Structures

Exercises for Non-native Speakers

1-7 “DANGLING” CONSTRUCTIONS

pp. 16~17

Many introductory structures that do not contain their own “subjects” within
them depend on the subject of the main clause for their agent (the “doer” of
the action expressed by the structure).

Preparing breakfast in too much of a hurry, she burned the toast.

After eating dinner, she cleared the table.
To study properly, a person should have good light.
Fearless as a youth, he became more timid as he grew older.
At the age of seven, he came to the United States.

Such introductory elements usually correspond to the predicate parts of

simple sentences. If the subjects that follow cannot serve as their agents, the
introductory structures are considered as “dangling,” that is, left hanging
without a specific word to attach to it.

Dangling
Preparing breakfast in too much of a hurry, the toast was burned.
After eating dinner, the table was cleared.

Contain introductory participial elements have their own “subjects” and

therefore do not depend on the subject of the sentence for their agent.

The floods having ruined their crops, many farmers in the area decided
to give up their farms.

Make whatever changes are necessary to correct sentences that contain

“dangling” introductory elements. (Some sentences are correct.)
EXAMPLE: Believing she had done the right thing, no one could convince
her that she was wrong.
Believing she had done the right thing, she could not be
convincing that she was wrong.
(The subject, she, is the agent of believing.)
or Because she believed she had done the right thing, no one
could convince her that she was wrong.
(The because clause now contains its own subject, she.)

1. While waiting for the doctor, there are numerous magazines you can read.
While you are waiting for the doctor, there are numerous magazines you

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 Modern English part II—Sentence & Complex Structures
Exercises for Non-native Speakers
1-7 “DANGLING” CONSTRUCTIONS

can read.
Or
While waiting for the doctor, you can read numerous magazines.
2. When ready, take the meat out of the oven immediately.
When ready, the meat should be taken out of the oven immediately.
Or
When the meat is ready, take it out of the oven immediately.
3. To work efficiently, frequent oiling of the machine is required.
To work efficiently, the machine requires frequent oiling.
Or
For the machine to work efficiently, frequent oiling is required.
4. A timid person, every little thing frightened him.
A timid person, he was frightened by every little thing.
Or
Because he was a timid person, every little thing frightened him.
5. After reading the newspapers in the library, they should be put back in
their proper place.
After reading the newspapers in the library, you should put back in their
proper place.
Or
After you read the newspapers in the library, they should be put back in
their proper place.
6. Meeting her only once, she enchanted him completely.
Meeting her only once, he was completely enchanted.
7. Darkness having come, we stopped for the night.
(This sentence is correct.)
8. As a child, his parents spoiled him very much.
As a child, he was very much spoiled b y his parents.
Or
When he was a child, his parents spoiled him very much.
9. By obeying all traffic regulations, many accidents can be avoided.
By obeying all traffic regulations, you can avoid many accidents.
Or
If you obey all traffic regulations, many accidents can be avoided.

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 Modern English part II—Sentence & Complex Structures
Exercises for Non-native Speakers
1-7 “DANGLING” CONSTRUCTIONS

10. A comedian at heart, the children were often made to laugh by their
teacher.
A comedian at heart, the teacher often made the children laugh.
11. Having painted the outside of the house, the inside should also be painted.
Having painted the outside of the house, you should also paint the inside.
Or
After painting the outside of the house, you should also paint the inside.
Or
After you painted the outside, the inside should also be painted.
12. The bus being every crowded, we decided to take a taxi.
(This sentence is correct.)
13. Blowing at sixty miles an hour, the tree was knocked down by the wind.
Blowing at sixty miles an hour, the wind knocked down the tree.
14. On being notified that the weather would be good, the two men got ready
for their long flight.
(This sentence is correct.)
15. Having been found guilty by the jury, the judge gave the defendant
a severe sentence.
Having been found guilty by the jury, the defendant was given a severe
sentence by the judge.

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