Which term refers to a modifier that is placed too far from its intended word, creating confusion?

The term that refers to a modifier placed too far from its intended word, creating confusion, is "misplaced modifier." When a modifier is positioned incorrectly in a sentence, it can lead to ambiguity or an unintended meaning. For example, in the sentence "She almost drove her kids to school every day," the placement of "almost" suggests that she did not actually drive them, whereas it was likely intended to convey that she nearly drove them every day. This confusion arises from the modifier being located too far from the specific word it is meant to modify.

Understanding misplaced modifiers is essential for clear communication in writing. A misplaced modifier can distort the intended message and create misunderstandings, so writers must pay careful attention to their placement in sentences. This awareness helps enhance the clarity and precision of both academic and conversational English.