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misplaced modifier

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misplaced modifier

–noun
Grammar. a word, phrase, or clause that seems to refer to or modify an unintended word because of its placement in a sentence, as when young in When young, circuses appeal to all of us.


Sometimes, as in the example above, a misplaced modifier can cause a temporarily puzzling or ludicrous reading of a passage; at other times it can result in ambiguity: Tall and handsome, the people looked at him with awe and admiration. Usually some rearrangement of elements, and occasionally an addition, can make relationships clear and unambiguous: Circuses appeal to all of us when young (or when we are young). Because he was tall and handsome, the people looked at him with awe and admiration. See also dangling participle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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mis·placed modifier   (mĭs'plāst')
n.  A modifying clause or phrase placed so awkwardly as to create ambiguity or misunderstanding. For example, in Streaking through the sky, we watched the rocket reenter the atmosphere, the phrase Streaking through the sky is misplaced.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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