Question

to avoid confusion from a misplaced modifier, a participial phrase should be placed

at the beginning of the sentence.
at the end of the sentence.
next to the noun it describes.
next to the verb it describes.

Explanation:

Analyze the function of a participial phrase

A participial phrase acts as an adjective to modify a noun or pronoun.

Determine the rule for modifier placement

To prevent confusion or misinterpretation (a misplaced modifier), modifying phrases must be positioned as close as possible to the specific noun or pronoun they are intended to describe.

Evaluate the given options

• "at the beginning of the sentence" is incorrect because placement depends on where the target noun is.
• "at the end of the sentence" is incorrect for the same reason.
• "next to the noun it describes" is correct because it ensures the modification is clear and unambiguous.
• "next to the verb it describes" is incorrect because participial phrases modify nouns, not verbs.

Answer:

• at the beginning of the sentence.
• at the end of the sentence.
• next to the noun it describes. (Correct answer)
• next to the verb it describes.