Which sentence correctly attaches a modifier to the intended subject?

Which sentence correctly attaches a modifier to the intended subject?

• A. The finish line ran quickly, crossing by Maria.
• B. Maria crossed the finish line quickly.
• C. Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by Maria.
• D. The finish line was crossed quickly by Maria.

Answer: (B)

Modifiers should clearly refer to the person or thing performing the action. In the sentence “Maria crossed the finish line quickly,” the adverb quickly describes how Maria performed the action of crossing, directly attaching to Maria’s activity and avoiding any misreading. The other sentences create problems with what the modifier seems to describe. The first sentence makes the finish line seem to run, which doesn’t make sense and misplaces the modifier on the wrong subject. The third sentence uses an introductory phrase “Running quickly,” which leads readers to think the finish line is the one running, a dangling modifier. The fourth sentence is grammatical, but the adverb describes how the crossing happened in a passive construction and doesn’t put the emphasis on Maria as the doer in the most direct way. So the sentence that keeps the modifier attached to the intended subject—Maria—is the clear, correct choice.

Modifiers should clearly refer to the person or thing performing the action. In the sentence “Maria crossed the finish line quickly,” the adverb quickly describes how Maria performed the action of crossing, directly attaching to Maria’s activity and avoiding any misreading.

The other sentences create problems with what the modifier seems to describe. The first sentence makes the finish line seem to run, which doesn’t make sense and misplaces the modifier on the wrong subject. The third sentence uses an introductory phrase “Running quickly,” which leads readers to think the finish line is the one running, a dangling modifier. The fourth sentence is grammatical, but the adverb describes how the crossing happened in a passive construction and doesn’t put the emphasis on Maria as the doer in the most direct way.

So the sentence that keeps the modifier attached to the intended subject—Maria—is the clear, correct choice.