The rule of modifiers

This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 8:39 pm

The rule of modifiers

by leonseungmin » Wed Dec 23, 2009 8:50 pm
I'm totally confused about modifiers.

Every time I hear about the rule of modifiers and how their antecedents are decided, somehow I feel like the ruls is keep changing.

Due to the lack of my research skill, I was not able to find the article that clarifies how modifiers work in GMAT.

I'm pretty sure there are thousnads of people who would have the same question, so I ask you guys to build up a firm rule for modifiers!

To be more specific, let me confirm if I understood modifiers correctly.

1. sentenc, verv + ing ~

ex) Geologists once thought that the molten rock known as lava was an underground remnant of Earth's earliest days, sporadically erupting through volcanoes, but~

here, erupting modifies the previous sentence. Is it right?

As far as I remember, some explanation says it modifies the whole previous sentnece, and others say it modifies the subject of the previous sentence.

2. that, which, who, whom, etc
If those modifiers are located in a subject position, then they should modify subject in the previous sentence. In the same manner, if these guys are located in the object position, they should modify object.

If the condition above cannot be satisfied due to some reasons...(I am not sure what these some reason were T_T)
then it modifies the preceeding word...

This is how I understood, but I do not have any confidence that my understanding is correct. I need your help guys!!

P.S. any advice regarding errors in my writing will be welcomed, and please ask me if there is a part you cannot understand clearly. As English is my second language, my writing might contain lots of mistakes. Please bear with them. Thanks in advance.
Source: — Sentence Correction |

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 777
Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2010 4:02 am
Location: Mumbai, India
Thanked: 117 times
Followed by:47 members

by komal » Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:21 pm
hi leonseungmin


This video covers the modifier problems in the GMAT Sentence Correction verbal section. I reckon this link will help you clear your doubts on modifiers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqGvlrkDSmk



Hope this helps : )

• Page 1 of 1