Which of the following sentences contain(s) a dangling modifier or misplaced modifier defect?
Options:
(A) Walking across the experimental crop field, the soil moisture sensor was found by the technician.
(B) Having completed the tractor dynamometer test, the electronic data loggers were switched off.
(C) To evaluate the grain harvesting loss, the combine harvester was inspected thoroughly by the research team.
(D) Soaking in the nutrient solution for three hours, the seed germination rate increased significantly.
Answer Key:
A, B, D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
A dangling modifier occurs when the intended subject of an introductory participial phrase does not match the grammatical subject of the main clause:
• In A, "Walking..." erroneously modifies "the soil moisture sensor" (the sensor was not walking).
• In B, "Having completed..." modifies "the electronic data loggers" (the loggers did not complete the test).
• In D, "Soaking..." modifies "the germination rate" (the rate itself was not soaking).
Sentence C correctly connects the infinitive clause of purpose with the passive action carried out by the research team.