A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that changes the meaning of something in a sentence. When a modifier is placed incorrectly in a sentence and modifies the wrong object, we call it a misplaced modifier.
Examples of Misplaced Modifiers
Some examples of misplaced modifiers (clauses) would be the following:
Stuart received a failing grade from Ms. Osborne who was caught cheating on his test.
(Incorrect: Ms. Osborne = was caught cheating on his test)
Correction: Stuart, who was caught cheating on his test, received a failing grade from Ms. Osborne.
(Correct: Stuart = was caught cheating on his test)
Lorraine sold cookies to her neighbors which had chocolate chips and walnuts in them.
(Incorrect: neighbors = had chocolate chips and walnuts in them)
Correction: Lorraine sold cookies, which had chocolate chips and walnuts in them, to her neighbors.
(Correct: cookies = had chocolate chips and walnuts in them)
My parents gave a used car to my sister that only needed a new set of tires.
(Incorrect: sister = only needed a new set of tires)
Correction: My parents gave a used car that only needed a new set of tires to my sister.
(Correct: car = only needed a new set of tires)
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