Do you know what a squinting modifier is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on squinting modifiers, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Grammar Monster, a squinting modifier is a modifier whose placement can cause ambiguity and confusion as to the meaning of a sentence. Like a misplaced modifier or dangling modifiers, these two-way modifiers can make a normal sentence a headache to figure out. The confused words are often an adjective or adverb, or adjectival phrase or adverbial phrase/adverbial clause. With a squinting modifier, the reader might misunderstand the modifier in the quote to be attributed to the wrong noun. Make sure you do not have modifiers in the wrong place and put them in the correct position to make it clear which own subject, pronoun, noun, or noun clause they are referencing.
Many different languages also contain words that mean modifiers. You may notice that some of these translations of modifiers look and sound similar to one another. These are called cognates, which are words and phrases in different languages that likely have the same root or language of origin, causing them to sound the same. The below list of translations of modifiers is provided by Word Sense.
Squinting modifiers can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are a couple of examples of squinting modifiers from BKA,Grammar Monster and Thought Co that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use.
Cycling up hills quickly strengthens your quadriceps.
What you hear often you will believe.
The children only know how to imitate vampires and zombies.
Saving lives often induces pride.
I am only buying organic apples these days.
Public speakers who pause briefly refocus their audience.
Instructors who cancel classes rarely are reprimanded.
The governor threatened after his reelection to increase motor vehicle license fees.
John went to England after he had his exams August.
Beating eggs rapidly produces an airy volume.
Buying the paper plates rapidly increases the waste from the event on Monday.
We agreed at our first meeting to implement the new procedures.
She told her nephew eventually the dog would have to go back to its owner.
Taking a moment to think clearly improves your chances.
And where will it all end only God Knows.
Maybe millions of people go by, but I have eyes for only you.
I told Merdine when the game was over I would drive her to the bingo hall.
Here are some things you might not know we’d like to share.
“He was a hero at his last police station. He once shot a robber with a Kalashnikov. (type of assault rifle)” “Great, where did he get that?” “No, the robber had the Kalashnikov.” – Hot Fuzz
Taking aspirin often helps with headaches.
The shop that raised all that funding recently went out of business.
What are other grammar terms?
There are many different literary and grammatical techniques and devices that you might see when you are reading prose or poetry. It is important to recognize these terms because they are always used for some purpose. Knowing these devices can help readers understand the author’s deeper meaning and why they are using such a device. Take a look at the below list of grammatical devices from OED and see how many you know! Then try researching ones that are unfamiliar to you.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Kevin
December 31, 2021
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