Definitions for "Misplaced modifier"
A descriptive or qualifying word (modifier) placed in an awkward position, usually far away from what it modifies: I read that there was a big fire in yesterday?s newspaper. I read in yesterday?s newspaper that there was a big fire. [Place the modifier af
a word or group of words that causes confusion or misreading because it is not placed next to the element it should modify: e.g., Ionly ate the pie. [Revised: I ate only the pie.
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'