Search. A misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that does not clearly relate to what it is intended to modify. In other words, a misplaced modifier makes the meaning of a sentence ambiguous or wrong.Here are some examples of misplaced modifiers (shaded): Sometimes, a misplaced modifier is not a mistake. misplaced modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that does not clearly relate to what it is intended to modify. In other words, a misplaced modifier makes the meaning of a sentence ambiguous or wrong. Here are some examples of misplaced modifiers (shaded):