Question

1. select the sentence that does not contain a misplaced or dangling modifier.

running quickly, the finish line was crossed by the athlete.
the finish line was crossed running quickly by the athlete.
running quickly, the athlete crossed the finish line.
the athlete crossed the finish line running quickly.

Explanation:

To determine the sentence without a misplaced or dangling modifier, we analyze each option:

• First option: "Running quickly" (a participial phrase) modifies "the finish line", but the finish line can't run, so it's a dangling modifier.
• Second option: "running quickly" is misplaced as it seems to modify "was crossed" (the finish line can't run quickly while being crossed), creating confusion.
• Third option: "Running quickly" modifies "the athlete", who is the one performing the action of running and crossing the finish line. This is correct as the modifier is properly attached to the subject it describes.
• Fourth option: "running quickly" is a misplaced modifier as it's unclear if it modifies "crossed" or "the finish line" (the finish line can't run), though it's less confusing than the first two, but the third option is more clearly correct.

Answer:

C. Running quickly, the athlete crossed the finish line.