How to Prevent a Misplaced Modifier
Introduction
Modifiers are words that modify or specify the meaning of another word. They usually come before the word they modify and can be adjectives, adverbs, or nouns.
A misplaced modifier is one that causes confusion because it is placed too far away from the word it modifies. This problem occurs when a modifier is not near enough to the word it modifies.
“Misplaced modifier” (also known as a “Dangling Modifier“) is a frequently committed logical error that even the most prominent publications fall for occasionally.
An Example of Misplaced Modifier
Here is an example:
“Ports are especially vulnerable to pesky animals like rabbits and deer because they offer large, fenced-in areas of dirt and grass.” (Wall Street Journal, June 21, 2007)
The sentence is malformed because it suggests that “pesky animals… offer large, fenced-in areas of dirt and grass” — which of course is not true.
That unintended implication is created because the modifier clause “because they offer large, fenced-in areas of dirt and grass” is placed right after “pesky animals like rabbits and deer” instead of the “ports,” the true subject that needs the modification.
The Solution to Misplaced Modifier
Move the modifier clause right next to the subject of the sentence:
“Since they offer large, fenced-in areas of dirt and grass, ports are especially vulnerable to pesky animals like rabbits and deer.”
Or
“Ports that offer large, fenced-in areas of dirt and grass are especially vulnerable to pesky animals like rabbits and deer.”
Conclusion
Both would work. Case closed. Confusion prevented.
To Recap:
Misplaced modifier is a grammar error that occurs when a word or phrase is placed too far from the word it is supposed to modify. It can cause confusion in the meaning of the sentence and change the sentence’s entire meaning entirely. It’s a common grammar error that all writers should watch for.
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