SAT Grammar Strategy

Squinting Modifiers on the SAT

How to Spot Two-Way Ambiguity and Pick Up Easy Points

Master sentence structure, punctuation, and clarity with repeatable rules.

4 Min Read

Grammar Rule

Clarity Focus

4 Practice Qs

Identify the subject and verb, then make sure punctuation does not split them or add extra ideas.

Find the subject + verb first. That is the sentence core.
Only add commas around extra information, never inside the core.
Re-read the sentence without the modifier to test clarity.

Picture yourself working through a sentence on the SAT Reading and Writing section and suddenly realizing it could mean two completely different things. That ambiguity is not a trick; it is a squinting modifier, and recognizing it is one of the most reliable ways to pick up points on test day. Once you learn the pattern behind these errors, you will wonder how you ever overlooked them.

What Is a Squinting Modifier?

A squinting modifier (sometimes called a two-way modifier) is a word or phrase placed between two parts of a sentence that it could logically describe. Because it "looks both ways," the reader can't tell which element the modifier is supposed to go with, and that ambiguity is exactly what the SAT is testing.

Here's the classic example:

"Students who study frequently make mistakes."

Read that again. Does it mean:

Reading 1

Students who study often make mistakes

The adverb modifies study; the claim is that heavy studying leads to mistakes.

Reading 2

Students who study make mistakes often

The adverb modifies mistakes; the claim is that mistakes happen frequently.

Both readings are grammatically valid. That's the problem. The word "frequently" is stuck in the middle, squinting at "study" on one side and "make mistakes" on the other. A well-written sentence shouldn't make you guess.

How Squinting Modifiers Differ from Other Modifier Errors

You may already know about dangling modifiers (where the modifier has no clear subject at all) and misplaced modifiers (where the modifier clearly attaches to the wrong word). A squinting modifier is different because it doesn't attach to the wrong word, it could attach to either of two words. The issue isn't incorrectness; it's ambiguity.

Dangling modifier: "Running down the street, the trees were beautiful." (Who is running? Nobody in the sentence.)
Misplaced modifier: "She almost drove her kids to school every day." (She almost drove but didn't? Or she drove almost every day?)
Squinting modifier: "The coach said during halftime the team needed to improve." (Said during halftime? Or improve during halftime?)

On the SAT, the fix is always the same: move the modifier so it sits directly next to the one thing it's supposed to describe. No ambiguity, no confusion, no lost points.

Middle adverb trap: An adverb sits between two verbs or clauses, so it could modify either one.
Middle prepositional phrase: A phrase like "during rehearsal" sits between actions, making the timing ambiguous.
Ambiguous revision: An answer choice keeps the modifier in the middle, so the sentence still has two valid readings.

The SAT Reading and Writing section loves to test clarity and precision. Here's how squinting modifiers show up and how to handle them efficiently:

Look for adverbs wedged between two verbs or clauses. Words like often, frequently, quickly, clearly, carefully, sometimes are the usual suspects. If one of these sits between two phrases, test whether it could describe either one.
Look for prepositional phrases between two clauses. Phrases like during halftime, after class, in the morning can also squint if they're sandwiched in the wrong spot.
Test for two readings. If you can read the sentence two ways and both make grammatical sense, you've found the problem.
Pick the answer that eliminates ambiguity. The correct choice will reposition the modifier so it can only point in one direction.

Time-saving tip: When answer choices rearrange the same words in different positions, don't overthink it. Just ask: "Does this version have only one possible meaning?" If yes, that's your answer.

Practice Squinting Modifiers with SAT-Style Questions

Let's work through some SAT-style questions, starting easier and building up. Each one features a squinting modifier that creates ambiguity. Your job: find the revision that makes the meaning crystal clear.

Passage

The professor told the students after class to review their notes.

easy

Which revision most effectively clarifies the meaning of the sentence?

Passage

Employees who work remotely often struggle with communication.

easy

The writer wants to convey that remote employees have frequent communication difficulties. Which revision best achieves this goal?

Passage

The coach said during halftime the team needed to improve its defense.

medium

Which revision eliminates the ambiguity in the sentence?

Passage

The scientist explained that analyzing the data carefully would reveal new patterns.

medium

The writer wants to emphasize that the analysis itself must be done with care. Which revision best accomplishes this?

Key Takeaways for Squinting Modifiers

A squinting modifier sits between two words or phrases it could logically describe, creating ambiguity. The SAT tests whether you can spot and fix this.
The fix is always about repositioning: move the modifier so it's directly next to the one thing it's supposed to describe. No fancy rewriting needed.
Watch for adverbs (often, clearly, quickly, carefully) and prepositional phrases (during halftime, after class) wedged between two clauses, these are the most common squinting modifiers on the SAT.
When answer choices rearrange the same words in different positions, test each version for two possible readings. The correct answer will have only one.

Conclusion: The Core Rule for Squinting Modifiers

Squinting modifiers are one of the more subtle grammar traps on the SAT Reading and Writing section, but they follow a simple, repeatable pattern. Once you train your eye to notice an adverb or phrase caught between two clauses, you'll spot the ambiguity in seconds, and the correct answer will always be the one that places the modifier where it can only point in one direction.

Remember: If a modifier could describe two different parts of a sentence, it's in the wrong spot. Move it next to the word it belongs with, and the ambiguity disappears, along with one more reason to stress about the SAT.

About the Instructor

Thomas Meli

Founder, Deep Test Prep

"Viewing the SAT as a transformative rite of passage, my approach builds self-awareness, sharpens critical thinking, and fosters a love of learning that supports students far beyond test day."

With over 20 years of teaching and 500+ hours of training in compassionate communication, Thomas uses scientifically proven methods to help students target and achieve their SAT goals.