Sentence Correction

Can someone please throw some light on "ing" modifiers that modify entire clause preceding it rather than just noun or action? I always tend to make mistake identifying these. Discussion with some examples would be great

Hi Apurva, following explanation would help you understand the "ing" modifier concept.

The "-ing" modifier can modify either the noun or clause. Since you're clear with the"-ing" modifier modifying the noun, I'll explain you with the clause part.

The positioning of the "comma" is very important in determining whether the "ing" modifier modifies a clause or the noun.

1) If the "-ing" modifier is placed after the clause, then it definitely modifies the entire clause.
E.g. Apurva topped the GMAT, using BTG's resources

Here the modifier 'using BTG's resources' modifies the entire clause "Apurva topped the GMAT".

2) Alternately, if the "-ing" modifier is placed before the clause then it can modify either the clause or the subject depending on the intent of the modifier.

e.g. Using BTG's resources, Apurva topped the GMAT.
Here, the ing modifier modifies the entire clause "Apurva topped the GMAT".

--> Citing another example where the "-ing" modifier is used before the clause but it modifies the Subject and not the clause.
e.g.(2) - Wearing a red dress, Apurva appeared for the GMAT.
Here, the modifier "wearing a red dress" modifies "Apurva" and not the entire clause.
Thus understanding the meaning of the sentence and the intent of the modifier is very important in this case.

Hope this helped.

Regards,
Abhijit

Check my posts here:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/verb-ing-doubt-t162164.html
https://www.beatthegmat.com/ing-verb-mod ... 14885.html