Misplaced Modifier (Noun)
Meaning
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'.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- Walking slowly down the hallway the teacher told the student to hurry up.
- When young the appeal of circuses never faded.
- Coming home late at night on the porch sat our anxious parents.
- Having studied all morning the teacher felt refreshed.
- Driving recklessly the police stopped the vehicle beside hers.