The CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year, making it the longest staff meeting yet.

 Read the following sentence with a mixed construction, then choose the correct revised sentence from the answer choices below.
 
Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year makes it the longest staff meeting yet.
Multiple choice question.
 
The CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year, making it the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Correct. This sentence consists of a main clause followed by a modifying phrase.
 
Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause (Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year) is used as the subject of this sentence, creating a mixed construction.
 
Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year is the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause (Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year) is used as the subject of this sentence, creating a mixed construction.
 
The CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year, makes the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Incorrect. The lack of a subject in the second clause makes this a mixed construction.
Correct Answer
The CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year, making it the longest staff meeting yet.
Identify the incorrectly placed modifier in the following sentence.
 
Covered in silly doodles, the junior executive wrote a first draft of what would become an extremely important message to company investors.
Multiple choice question.
 
Covered in silly doodles
Reason:
Correct. Covered in silly doodles cannot logically modify the junior executive, so the modifier is misplaced. It should be positioned after first draft, which it modifies.
 
the junior executive wrote a first draft
Reason:
Incorrect. This is not an incorrectly placed modifier; it is the sentence’s subject, verb, and object. To identify a misplaced modifier, look for a phrase that is not placed as close as possible to the word it modifies.
 
an extremely important
Reason:
Incorrect. This is not an incorrectly placed modifier; it immediately precedes, and modifies, work of literature. To identify a misplaced modifier, look for a phrase that is not placed as close as possible to the word it modifies.
 
of what would become
Reason:
Incorrect. This is not an incorrectly placed modifier. To identify a misplaced modifier, look for a phrase that is not placed as close as possible to the word it modifies.
 
message to company investors
Reason:
Incorrect. This is not a misplaced modifier. To identify a misplaced modifier, look for a phrase that is not placed as close as possible to the word it modifies.
Correct Answer
Covered in silly doodles

 
Identify which of the following sentences avoid ambiguous modifiers. Select all that apply.
Multiple select question.
 
I learned I will be traveling to France this week.
Reason:
Correct. In this sentence, this week clearly modifies I will be traveling to France.
 
This week I learned I will be traveling to France.
Reason:
Correct. In this sentence, This week clearly modifies I learned.
 
I learned this week I will be traveling to France.
Reason:
Incorrect. In this sentence, this week is ambiguous because it could modify either I learned or I will be traveling to France.
Correct Answer
I learned I will be traveling to France this week.
This week I learned I will be traveling to France.

Identify the sentence with a mixed construction due to a missing subject in the main clause.
Multiple choice question.
 
My printer jams every time I try to use it, no matter how carefully the paper is inserted.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject printer, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
 
Regardless of any verbal agreement, the written contract states that payment is due within 60 days.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject the written contract, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
 
Distracted by her excited children, forgot to apply sunscreen while at the beach.
Reason:
Correct. The main clause does not include a subject to indicate who or what is the source of the action (forgot).
 
Without a permission slip, Brandy was not allowed to participate in the class field trip.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject Brandy, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
Correct Answer
Distracted by her excited children, forgot to apply sunscreen while at the beach.

 
Identify the sentences that do not contain dangling modifiers. Select all that apply.
Multiple select question.
 
The store should issue a refund when returning an unwanted item.
Reason:
Incorrect. The phrase when returning an unwanted item cannot logically modify The store or any other word in this sentence. The sentence can be revised to include a noun the phrase can modify (for example, A customer should receive a refund when returning an unwanted item).
 
Customers should bring the original packaging and a receipt when returning an unwanted item.
Reason:
Correct. The phrase when returning an unwanted item can logically modify customers, so the modifier is not dangling.
 
When returning an unwanted item, the store should issue a refund.
Reason:
Incorrect. The phrase When returning an unwanted item cannot logically modify the store or any other word in this sentence. The sentence can be revised to include a noun the phrase can modify (for example, When returning an unwanted item, a customer should receive a refund).
 
When returning an unwanted item, customers should bring the original packaging and a receipt.
Reason:
Correct. The phrase When returning an unwanted item can logically modify customers, so the modifier is not dangling.
Correct Answer
Customers should bring the original packaging and a receipt when returning an unwanted item.

 
When returning an unwanted item, customers should bring the original packaging and a receipt.
Indicate whether or not the sentence contains a mixed construction.
Mixed construction
Mixed construction Drop zone 1 of 3 When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated. correct Toggle Button Unavailable.
When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated.
Mixed construction Drop zone 2 of 3 Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork.
Mixed construction Drop zone 3 of 3 Before it gets too late, he needs to get home. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
Before it gets too late, he needs to get home.
No mixed construction
No mixed construction Drop zone 1 of 3 The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission. correct Toggle Button Unavailable.
The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission.
No mixed construction Drop zone 2 of 3 During the intermission is able to roam the stage. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
During the intermission is able to roam the stage.
No mixed construction Drop zone 3 of 3 After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble.
Correct Answer
•    Mixed construction
matches
Choice, When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated.
When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated.
, Choice, After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble.
After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble.
, Choice, During the intermission is able to roam the stage.
During the intermission is able to roam the stage.
•    No mixed construction
matches
Choice, Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork.
Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork.
, Choice, Before it gets too late, he needs to get home.
Before it gets too late, he needs to get home.
, Choice, The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission.
The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission.

Read the following sentence with a mixed construction, then choose the correct revised sentence from the answer choices below.
 
When she ran for student body president helped her understand what it was like to be a politician.
Multiple choice question.
 
When the school held the election for student body president helped her understand what it was like to be a politician.
Reason:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause (When the school held the election for student body president) is used as the subject of this sentence, creating a mixed construction.
 
Running for student body president helped her understand what it was like to be a politician.
Reason:
Correct. The subject of a sentence should not be a subordinate clause but can be a phrase such as Running for student body president.
 
Running for student body president it helped her understand what it was like to be a politician.
Reason:
Incorrect. This sentence incorrectly contains two subjects: Running for student body president and it.
 
After she ran for student body president helped her understand what it was like to be a politician.
Reason:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause (After she ran for student body president) is used as the subject of this sentence, creating a mixed construction.
Correct Answer
Running for student body president helped her understand what it was like to be a politician.
Identify the sentence with a mixed construction due to a missing subject in the main clause.
Multiple choice question.
 
Cheri’s neighbor constantly played loud music, despite her many requests for him to lower the volume.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject Cheri’s neighbor, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
 
As he drank his second cup of coffee, Ben and his wife discussed their plans for the day.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject Ben and his wife, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
 
Even though she knew it was unsafe, Teresa never wore a seatbelt when she drove.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject Teresa, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
 
While parenthood can be challenging, offers many rewarding moments as well.
Reason:
Correct. The main clause does not include a subject to indicate who or what is the source of the action (offers). The appropriate subject is it.
Correct Answer
While parenthood can be challenging, offers many rewarding moments as well.

 
Choose the sentences with mixed constructions. Select all that apply.
Multiple select question.
 
Once the weather starts to change makes his old knee injury act up.
Reason:
Correct. The subordinate clause Once the weather changes is being used as the subject in this sentence, which creates a mixed construction.
 
The changing weather makes his old knee injury act up.
Reason:
Incorrect. This sentence is clear and grammatically correct.
 
When the weather changes, it makes his old knee injury act up.
Reason:
Incorrect. This sentence is clear and grammatically correct.
 
Because the weather is changing makes his old knee injury act up.
Reason:
Correct. The subordinate clause Because the weather is changing is being used as the subject in this sentence, which creates a mixed construction.
Correct Answer
Once the weather starts to change makes his old knee injury act up.
Because the weather is changing makes his old knee injury act up.

Read the following sentence with a mixed construction, then choose the correct revised sentence from the answer choices below.
 
Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year makes it the longest staff meeting yet.
Multiple choice question.
 
Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause (Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year) is used as the subject of this sentence, creating a mixed construction.
 
Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year is the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Incorrect. The subordinate clause (Because the CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year) is used as the subject of this sentence, creating a mixed construction.
 
The CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year, making it the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Correct. This sentence consists of a main clause followed by a modifying phrase.
 
The CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year, makes the longest staff meeting yet.
Reason:
Incorrect. The lack of a subject in the second clause makes this a mixed construction.
Correct Answer
The CEO spent three hours describing his goals for the new year, making it the longest staff meeting yet.
Read the following sentence with a mixed construction. Choose the sentences with correct revised construction. Select all that apply.
 
He doesn’t speak Chinese but looking forward to visiting China.
Multiple select question.
 
He doesn’t speak Chinese, but he is looking forward to visiting China.
Reason:
Correct. Coordinating conjunctions can connect equal elements, such as two main clauses.
 
He didn’t speak Chinese but to look forward to visiting China.
Reason:
Incorrect. A coordinating conjunction (such as and or but) cannot be used to join unequal elements such as a main clause and a phrase.
 
Although he doesn’t speak Chinese, but looking forward to visiting China.
Reason:
Incorrect. A coordinating conjunction (such as and or but) cannot be used to join unequal elements such as a dependent clause and a phrase.
 
He doesn’t speak Chinese but is looking forward to visiting China.
Reason:
Correct. Coordinating conjunctions can connect equal elements, such as two verb phrases (doesn’t speak Chinese and is looking forward).
Correct Answer
He doesn’t speak Chinese, but he is looking forward to visiting China.
He doesn’t speak Chinese but is looking forward to visiting China.

 
Identify the sentence with a mixed construction due to a missing subject in the main clause.
Multiple choice question.
 
Distracted by her excited children, forgot to apply sunscreen while at the beach.
Reason:
Correct. The main clause does not include a subject to indicate who or what is the source of the action (forgot).
 
Without a permission slip, Brandy was not allowed to participate in the class field trip.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject Brandy, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
 
My printer jams every time I try to use it, no matter how carefully the paper is inserted.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject printer, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
 
Regardless of any verbal agreement, the written contract states that payment is due within 60 days.
Reason:
Incorrect. The main clause contains the subject the written contract, so there is no mixed construction in this sentence.
Correct Answer
Distracted by her excited children, forgot to apply sunscreen while at the beach.
Which sentence contains a mixed construction?
Multiple choice question.
 
I got in trouble because I got caught red-handed.
Reason:
Incorrect. This sentence is clear and grammatically correct.
 
The reason I got in trouble is that I got caught red-handed.
Reason:
Incorrect. This sentence is clear and grammatically correct.
 
The reason I got in trouble is because I got caught red-handed.
Reason:
Correct. The subordinate clause The reason I got in trouble is being used as the subject in this sentence, which creates a mixed construction.
Correct Answer
The reason I got in trouble is because I got caught red-handed.

Indicate whether or not the sentence contains a mixed construction.
Mixed construction
Mixed construction Drop zone 1 of 3 Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork.
Mixed construction Drop zone 2 of 3 Before it gets too late, he needs to get home. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
Before it gets too late, he needs to get home.
Mixed construction Drop zone 3 of 3 The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission.
No mixed construction
No mixed construction Drop zone 1 of 3 During the intermission is able to roam the stage. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
During the intermission is able to roam the stage.
No mixed construction Drop zone 2 of 3 When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated.
No mixed construction Drop zone 3 of 3 After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble. incorrect Toggle Button Unavailable.
After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble.
Correct Answer
•    Mixed construction matches Choice, 

When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated.
When playing soccer is good to stay hydrated.
, Choice, After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble.
After Amy failed her test knew her grade was in trouble.
, Choice, During the intermission is able to roam the stage.
During the intermission is able to roam the stage.
•    No mixed construction
matches
Choice, Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork.
Playing soccer helps children learn teamwork.
, Choice, Before it gets too late, he needs to get home.
Before it gets too late, he needs to get home.
, Choice, The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission.
The audience is allowed to roam the stage during intermission.