0

What's a name for mistakes like in the following sentence: "time flies even faster as a parent"?

Requested edit to clarify where the error is: time as a parent is the subject in the sentence above, which was not the intended meaning. "Time flies even faster for a parent" or "For a parent, time flies even faster" would better communicate the intended meaning.

Improve this question
10
2

I think you're referring to an dangling modifier because time is not a parent. Of course, the implied identity of the parent is the speaker:

[I find that] time flies even faster as a parent [than it would otherwise].

That is,

I, as a parent, find that subjective time moves relatively fast.

Improve this answer
1
  • I accept the edited answer. Dangling modifier it is. The Wiki article is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! – Yan F. Aug 8 '18 at 2:54
1

"Time flies even faster as a parent." Has no errors in it. "Time flies" is a very familiar metaphor used when people communicate about how they feel about the passage of time.

"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana."

Improve this answer
5
  • Time can fly, can it be a parent, though? :) – Yan F. Aug 8 '18 at 2:29
  • 1
    @YanF. you're confusing grammar with semantics. Yes, time can be a parent, if that's the metaphor being used. – Chappo Hasn't Forgotten Monica Aug 8 '18 at 6:54
  • @Chappo, but it's not being used in the given sentence. – Yan F. Aug 8 '18 at 13:02
  • @YanF. I see you’ve edited your question to remove the reference to grammar. – Chappo Hasn't Forgotten Monica Aug 8 '18 at 23:23
  • @Chappo, yes, per discussion with Mitch. Not sure why the question is still locked, though. – Yan F. Aug 10 '18 at 20:00

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.