Misplaced Modifiers: words

Some modifiers add descriptive elements to specific subjects or objects. Modifiers acting as words tend to be adjectives or adverbs. Problems occur when a modifier acting as a word is placed too far from the noun or pronoun it modifies. This often results in confusion or unintentional humor. For example, consider the following sentence.

“They bought a car for my sister they call Pumpkin.”

With this sentence structure, the sister is named Pumpkin and not the car. This confusion and unintentional humor is the result of a misplaced modifier. To correct this error, move the modifier close to the noun it modifies. Therefore, the sentence should be revised as follows:

“They bought a car they call Pumpkin for my sister.”

The best way to correct misplaced modifiers acting as words is to place the modifier before the noun or pronoun it is describing.