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misplaced modifier

DEFINITIONS OF: misplaced modifier

1

n a word or phrase apparently modifying an unintended word because of its placement in a sentence: e.g., `when young' in `when young, circuses appeal to all of us'

Synonyms:
dangling modifier
Types:
dangling participle
a participle (usually at the beginning of a sentence) apparently modifying a word other than the word intended: e.g., `flying across the country' in `flying across the country the Rockies came into view'
Type of:
modifier, qualifier
a content word that qualifies the meaning of a noun or verb
WORD FAMILY
USAGE EXAMPLES