Grammar terminology question

[Unregistered]

I have in mind that there is a specific grammar term for syntax which is difficult to read because phrase grouping is unclear. That is, the sentence starts out seeming to say one thing and then later switches up on you. What you thought was the subject is not the subject, or the phrasing you expected to follow doesn't. Can someone help me remember, what is the correct way to refer to this readability issue?

Thanks! :)

[engee30]

I have in mind that there is a specific grammar term for syntax which is difficult to read because phrase grouping is unclear. That is, the sentence starts out seeming to say one thing and then later switches up on you. What you thought was the subject is not the subject, or the phrasing you expected to follow doesn't. Can someone help me remember, what is the correct way to refer to this readability issue?

Thanks! :)

Maybe dangling modification.

[orangutan]

Are you thinking of "garden paths"?

Garden path sentence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[nonsense]

That is precisely what I was looking for, orangutan. Many thanks! :)