Quote:
Can you explain why A is wrong? I understand why B,C and D are wrong...
But between A and E I cannot make the difference...
Thank you!
Paris75 - The underlined portion of the sentence is acting as participle phrase. Participle phrases are the most common modifier to misplace or dangle. In clear, logical sentences, you will find modifiers right next to the words they describe.
Shouting with happiness, William celebrated his chance to interview at SunTrust.Notice that the participle phrase sits right in front of William, the one doing the shouting. If too much distance separates a modifier and its target, the modifier is misplaced.
Draped neatly on a hanger, William borrowed Grandpa's old suit to wear to the interview.The suit, not William, is on the hanger! The modifier must come closer to the word it is meant to describe. For the interview, William borrowed Grandpa's old suit, which was draped neatly on a hanger.
A participle phrase will begin with a present or past participle. If the participle is present, it will dependably end in ing. Likewise, a regular past participle will end in a consistent ed. Irregular past participles, unfortunately, conclude in all kinds of ways. Since all phrases require two or more words, a participle phrase will often include objects and/or modifiers that complete the thought. Here are some examples:
Crunching caramel corn for the entire movie
Washed with soap and water
Stuck in the back of the closet behind the obsolete computerParticiple phrases always function as adjectives, adding description to the sentence.
Back to the sentence under question.In choice A, if you flip the order of the participle phrase it may be easier to see that its illogical.
The prosecuting attorneys Based on accounts of several witnesses formulated a compelling caseLook what happens when you flip the order to choice E.
The prosecuting attorneys used accounts of various witnesses to formulate a compelling caseCheck out these links for more information on phrases, modifiers and participle phrases.
https://www.chompchomp.com/terms/participlephrase.htmhttps://wps.ablongman.com/long_faigley_penguinhb_1/7/1976/506050.cw/index.htmlhttps://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/phrfunc.html