Which revision fixes the misplaced modifier in the sentence "She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates"?

Which revision fixes the misplaced modifier in the sentence "She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates"?

• A. She served sandwiches to the children on paper plates, and they enjoyed them.
• B. On paper plates, she served sandwiches to the children.
• C. The children were served sandwiches on paper plates by her.
• D. She served sandwiches on paper plates to the children.

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is making sure a modifying phrase is attached to the noun it’s meant to describe. When a phrase like on paper plates appears after a sentence, it can mistakenly seem to describe the people involved or the action, causing ambiguity.

Here, the phrase on paper plates should tell us what was on those plates. Placing it right after sandwiches makes that clear: sandwiches on paper plates. This keeps the meaning precise and the sentence natural.

Other options either move the modifier in a way that still could mislead who or what is on the plates, or alter the sentence structure (for example, by changing the focus or voice) in a way that’s less direct. The revision with the modifier immediately after sandwiches cleanly and concisely resolves the ambiguity.