A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that is not clearly and logically related to the word or words it modifies (i.e. is placed next to). Two notes about dangling modifiers: Unlike a misplaced modifier, a dangling modifier cannot be corrected by simply moving it to a different place in a sentence.
The complete question should be the following: Which sentence contains a misplaced or dangling modifier?
The correct answer is A) They heard there was a car crash on the evening news.
The other options of the question were B) On the way to the beach, we passed a thousand palm trees. C) Sally desperately wanted Susan to go with her on the ski trip. D) Colleges are looking for applicants with the community service experience.
The phrase that was incorrectly moved it modifies was "evening news." When this happens, the phrase or words do not fit correctly in the sentence. The sentence sounds strange and can cause confusion in the reader. "They heard on the evening news..." is the best way to write the sentence.
