Misplaced Modifiers
Jared Aragona
Misplaced modifiers: A misplaced modifier (word, phrase, or clause) is placed too far from the word or words it modifies (clarifies, describes), which makes the sentence awkward and unclear.
Misplaced modifying word
Ben passed the test by biking across the park and swimming to the island proficiently.
(Incorrect) — it could be interpreted that he only swam proficiently.
Ben passed the test proficiently by biking across the park and swimming to the island.
(Correct) — “proficiently” modifies “passed the test” so the adverb should go next to it.
Misplaced modifying phrase
Her boyfriend was large man with a tattoo named Steve.
(Incorrect) — it sounds like the tattoo is named Steve.
Her boyfriend was a large man named Steve with a tattoo.
(Correct) – “named Steve” modifies “man,” so the adjective phrase should go next to it.
Misplaced modifying clause
Then there was the guy who had the three dogs that she married.
(Incorrect) — it sounds like she married the dogs.
Then there was the guy that she married who had three dogs.
(Correct) — “that she married” modifies “guy,” so the adjective clause should go next to it.
The MLCKRB (Master List Code Key and Rule Book): An English Grammar & Style Handbook by Jared Aragona, CC BY 4.0