Meaning of squinting modifier | Babel Free

Definitions

A modifier that could apply to either the clause that precedes it or the clause that follows it; an instance of amphiboly.

Examples

“A squinting modifier makes the meaning ambiguous and is, therefore, an error.”

“Do not try⟳ to fix⟳ a squinting modifier by inserting a comma to make⟳ your readers pause.”

“For example: “Running on concrete surfaces quickly leads to knee damage⟳.” Owing to the squinting modifier "quickly," this sentence could meant that running at a high rate of speed⟳ on concrete surfaces leads to knee damage⟳, or that running on concrete surfaces will very soon lead⟳ to knee damage⟳.”

CEFR level