Lesson · E.2.1
Using grammar for clarity
How misplaced modifiers, broken parallel structure, vague pronouns, and passive voice muddy a sentence, and the revision each fault calls for.
ObjectiveE.2.1Read2 minExam weightKnowledge of Language ≈ 33% of English and Language Usage
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See editions and pricing →What you will be able to do
- Spot and fix a misplaced or dangling modifier.
- Keep lists and comparisons in parallel grammatical form.
- Replace vague pronouns and passive voice with a clear, active actor.
What the lesson concludes
- A modifier describes the nearest noun, so place it right next to the word it should modify.
- Keep every item in a list or comparison in the same grammatical form.
- Trace every pronoun back to one clear noun. If two nouns compete for it, rename the person.
- Prefer active voice ("the team made mistakes") over passive voice ("mistakes were made") so the actor stays visible.