Which revision best fixes the misplaced modifier in "The patient was referred to a psychologist with several emotional problems"?
AThe patient with several emotional problems was referred to a psychologist.
BThe psychologist with several emotional problems was referred to the patient.
CThe patient was referred with several emotional problems to a psychologist.
DWith several emotional problems, a psychologist referred the patient.
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. The patient with several emotional problems was referred to a psychologist.
Principle: a modifier should be placed next to the word it is intended to describe.
1. In the original sentence, the phrase "with several emotional problems" wrongly appears to modify "a psychologist," suggesting the psychologist has the problems.
2. Option A places the phrase directly after "The patient," making the intended meaning clear: the patient has the emotional problems.
3. Option B reverses the meaning. Option C is awkward and still poorly placed. Option D changes the agent of referral and leaves ambiguity about who has the problems.
So A is the clearest and most accurate correction.
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