misplaced modifier

/ˈmɪsˌpleɪst ˌmɑdəˈfaɪər/

Other forms: misplaced modifiers

Definitions of misplaced modifier

1. noun

   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