Dangling modifier

A dangling modifier is one kind of misplaced modifier. Any modifier that doesn't affect a specific word in the phrase is known as a dangling modifier. Here are a few illustrations:

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• After reading the review, the movie was great.
• Before leaving, a dog crossed the sidewalk.

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These statements may be communicating what you think they are communicating, yet they sound choppy and unnatural. This is due to the fact that their modifiers aren't really moderating any nouns. 

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Here are some clearer formulations of these sentences:

• After reading the review, I thought the movie was great. 
• Before leaving, I saw a dog cross the sidewalk. 

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Squinting modifier

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Misplaced modifiers don't only include dangling ones. A squinting modifier is a different kind.

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This type of modifier is ambiguous because it is positioned so that it applies equally to the word before it and the term after it. Check out these instances:

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• The kids who played at the playground sometimes bought snacks from the store.
• Jane hoped when class was over she could check her phone. 

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Moving the modifier around in these statements resolves any clarity issues:

1. Sometimes, the kids who played at the playground bought snacks from the store.
2. The kids who sometimes played at the playground bought ice cream.
3. When class was over, Jane hoped she could check her phone.
4. Jane hoped she could check her phone when class was over.

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