Question

I overheard him say that he had cheated on the exam while I was standing in the hallway. (no error, misplaced modifier)

Short answer

The corrected sentence with the modifier placed properly should read: 'While I was standing in the hallway, I overheard him say that he had cheated on the exam.'

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Structure of the Sentence

The sentence consists of two clauses: 'I overheard him say that he had cheated on the exam' and 'while I was standing in the hallway'. In understanding these clauses, it's essential to note their relationship and how they interact within the sentence's overall structure.

Identify the Modifier and Its Subject

The modifier in this sentence seems to be the clause 'while I was standing in the hallway'. This clause provides additional information to the main clause ('I overheard him say that he had cheated on the exam'), specifying when the action occurred. However, it's not entirely clear what this modifier should be closer to, causing ambiguity. Typically, modifiers should be placed as close as possible to the words they modify for clarity.

Correct the Misplaced Modifier

The modifier 'while I was standing in the hallway' needs to be closer to 'I' because it is modifying the action of overhearing. Therefore, rearrange the sentence to read: 'While I was standing in the hallway, I overheard him say that he had cheated on the exam.' Here, it is clear that the action of overhearing happened during the time spent in the hallway.