Modifiers are words or phrases that describe something else, and can sometimes be confusing or ambiguous when arranged in certain ways, as with misplaced, dangling, or squinting modifiers.

Examples:

He wore a helmet on his head that was too large.

Correct sentence: He wore a helmet that was too large on his head.

A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that is positioned in a sentence in a way that makes it unclear what word or phrase it’s meant to modify. This can create confusion, ambiguity, or even unintended humor.

Examples:

The patient was referred to the physician with a headache.

Correct sentence: The patient with a headache was referred to the physician.

Dangling modifiers are words or phrases that modify a word or phrase that is either missing or unclear in the sentence.

Examples:

Riding on the sports bike, the world whizzed by rapidly.

Correct sentence: As Peter was riding on the sports bike, the world whizzed by rapidly.

(Note: "Riding on the sports bike" dangles because it’s unclear who is riding the bike. The sentence implies the world is riding the bike!)

Squinting modifiers are words or phrases that are positioned ambiguously within a sentence, making it unclear which word or phrase they’re intended to modify. They create a "squint" effect, making us unsure which meaning is correct.

Examples:

Saving a life often made Max feel proud.

Correct sentence: Saving a life made Max feel proud often.

(Note : The word "often" is a squinting modifier here. It could modify either "saving a life" or "made Max feel proud." )