Squinting Modifier
A squinting modifier is one that could modify either the word(s) before it or after
it (i.e., it is ambiguously positioned in the sentence.) It is a "misplaced
modifier."
Examples:
 Cycling up
hills quickly strengthens your quadriceps.
(In this example, the word
"quickly" is a squinting modifier. It is not clear whether
"quickly" pertains to "Cycling up hills" or
"strengthens".)
"He was a hero at his last police station. He once shot a robber with a Kalashnikov." "Great, where did he get that?" "No, the robber had the Kalashnikov."
(In this example, the phrase "with a Kalashnikov" (a type of assault rifle) is a squinting modifier. It is not clear whether it pertains to "he " or "the robber.") (This is taken from the film "Hot Fuzz.")
| Taking
a moment to think clearly
improves your chances.
[show me the squinting modifier] |
See also:
Glossary of grammatical terms
|
