Which type of grammatical error occurs when a modifier is incorrectly positioned in a sentence?

A misplaced modifier occurs when a descriptive phrase or clause is positioned incorrectly in a sentence, leading to ambiguity or confusion about what is being modified. Proper placement of modifiers is crucial because it clarifies meaning and ensures that the reader understands the intended relationship between words.

For instance, in the sentence "She saw a puppy on the way to the store," the placement of "on the way to the store" suggests that the puppy is at the store, which may not be the intended meaning. If the intended meaning was that she saw the puppy while she was on the way to the store, the sentence should be restructured to make that clear. Correcting a misplaced modifier clarifies the sentence and ensures that the modifier accurately describes the intended noun or pronoun.

This type of error can lead to humorous or illogical interpretations if not corrected. Recognizing that misplaced modifiers can significantly alter the meaning of a sentence emphasizes the importance of careful grammatical structuring.