When the modifying phrase is removed...

gmatrant

Analysts blamed May's sluggish retail sales on unexciting merchandise as well as the weather, colder and wetter than was usual in some regions，which slowed sales of barbecue grills and lawn furniture.
(A) colder and wetter than was usual in some regions，which slowed
(B) which was colder and wetter than usual in some regions，slowing
(C) since it was colder and wetter than usually in some regions，which slowed
(D) being colder and wetter than usually in some regions，slowing
(E) having been colder and wetter than was usual in some regions and slowed

B is the answer choice.
But if we remove the modifying phrase "which was colder and wetter than usual in some regions" shouldn't the sentence make sense. But in this case it appears as a run-on.

After removing the modifying phrase
Analysts blamed May's sluggish retail sales on unexciting merchandise as well as the weather, slowing sales of barbecue grills and lawn furniture.

kris610 · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:28 pm Post subject:

The entire part after the first comma applies to the weather.

"The weather was colder and wetter, slowing down the sales of..."

Jatinder · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:27 am Post subject:

Its indeed run on...
but question is can we remove the non- restricting cluase and test like that ?

experts, Pls suggest

gmatrant · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 4:44 pm Post subject:

pls someone can you let me know if my assessment is right.