Directions: Read each sentence to determine whether it contains a confusing -ing modifier. Then click the dropdown menus that follow each sentence and select the correct answers to complete the statements about each sentence. (Hint: Check the placement of the -ing modifier; it should be close to the word or words it modifies.)

1. Revealing a persons emotions psychologists study facial expressions.

In Sentence 1, the -ing modifier isrevealing a persons emotions . It refers tofacial expressions . This sentencecontains a confusing modifier.

The -ing modifier is:

*revealing a person's emotions

*study facial expressions

*psychologist study

It refers to:

*facial expressions

*emotions

*psychologist

This sentence:

*contains

*does not contain

2. Leading the field of nonverbal communication, psychologist Paul Ekman studies the significance behind the smallest movements of the face.

In Sentence 2, the -ing modifier isleading the field of nonverbal communication . It refers tosmallest movements . This sentencedoes not contain a confusing modifier.

The -ing modifier is:

*leading the field of nonverbal communication

*psychologist Paul Ekman studies

*the significance behind the smallest movement

It refers to:

*smallest movements

*nonverbal communication

*psychologist Paul Ekman

This sentence:

*does not contain

*contains

3. People show their discontent or dislike biting the lower or upper lip.

In Sentence 3, the -ing modifier isbiting the lower or upper lip . It refers todiscontent . This sentencedoes not contain a confusing modifier.

The -ing modifier is:

*biting the lower or upper lip

*show their discontent

*people show

It refers to:

*dislike

*people

*discontent

This sentence:

*does not contain

*contains

4. On the other hand, indicating love or comfort Ekman noted dilated eyes.

In Sentence 4, the -ing modifier isindicating love or comfort . It refers todilated eyes . This sentencecontains a confusing modifier.

The -ing modifier is:

*on the other hand

*indicating love or comfort

*noted dilated eyes

It refers to:

*dilated eyed

*hand

*Ekman

This sentence:

*does not contain

*contains

5. Paying attention to facial movements, nonverbal communication can be louder than words.

In Sentence 5, the -ing modifier ispaying attention to facial movements . However, it does not have a clear reference. To clear up the confusion, the writer needs to add or change words.

The -ing modifier is:

*louder than words

*nonverbal communication can be

*paying attention to facial movements

Which of the following corrects Sentence 5?

Paying attention to facial movements, words can be louder than nonverbal communication for Ekman.

Paying attention to facial movements, Ekman found nonverbal communication can be louder than words.

A persons nonverbal communication paying attention to facial movements can be louder than words.