Dangling modifier: the SAT reading & writing trap

Short answer: Ask who is doing the action. That person must come right after the comma.

The trap, in one question

Tempting answer: the rain soaked Maya.  (the rain was walking?)

Correct answer: Maya got soaked by the rain.

How to spot it in 3 seconds

Ask who is doing the action. That person must come right after the comma.

FAQ

What is the dangling modifier trap on the SAT?

Example: Walking to school, ___ The tempting answer is the rain soaked Maya. (the rain was walking?); the correct answer is Maya got soaked by the rain..

How do you avoid the dangling modifier trap?

Ask who is doing the action. That person must come right after the comma.

More Reading & Writing traps

← Pronoun agreement · Transition words →