Modifier

A modifier is a word or group of words that describes or gives more information about something else in a sentence.

Example:

• The small dog barked.

  • small = modifier because it describes the dog.

Misplaced modifier

A modifier should be placed close to what it describes.

❌ Running down the street, the backpack fell off Maya.

This makes it sound like the backpack was running.

✅ Running down the street, Maya felt her backpack fall off.

Now running down the street clearly describes Maya.