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Dangling modifier(verb modifier/noun modifier) : Using ...

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Dangling modifier(verb modifier/noun modifier) : Using ...

by Ruch12345 » Wed Jul 13, 2011 1:26 pm
The problem was solved, using latest technology.

In this case, if we ask how was the problem solved?
then using latest technology is the answer.So, this clause modifies the verb solved.
MGMAT tells that since there is no proper noun that is the subject of the clause, this is a Dangling modifier problem, we must add a subject to the sentence to make it correct.

The engineer solved the problem using the latest technology.- Correct version

please help me understand the above logic.
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by hey_thr67 » Thu Jul 14, 2011 3:27 am
hmmm...

See, in the above sentence " The problem solved.." the sentence doesn't specify the agent of this action. It may mean that problem is solved automatically. Hence it is a dangling modifier. But in the second sentence " The engineeer.." is actually a valid to be with action verb solved... Also, the active voice here is more suitable for GMAT and in general speech. Zust understand :

The milked was picked in the afternoon.. ( does this make any sense ?? )

senorita picked the milk in the afternoon.. ( sounds better.. )
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by Ruch12345 » Thu Jul 14, 2011 2:33 pm
hey_thr67 wrote:hmmm...

See, in the above sentence " The problem solved.." the sentence doesn't specify the agent of this action. It may mean that problem is solved automatically. Hence it is a dangling modifier. But in the second sentence " The engineeer.." is actually a valid to be with action verb solved... Also, the active voice here is more suitable for GMAT and in general speech. Zust understand :

The milked was picked in the afternoon.. ( does this make any sense ?? )

senorita picked the milk in the afternoon.. ( sounds better.. )



In the above example,the verb is picked,
to find the subject we ask Who/what picked
Since what was picked is milk, this sentence makes clear sense in terms of subject/verb
However, if we ask , who picked the milk, then it doesn't make sense but if either who/what question is answered we dont have a dangling modifier.

In my example, the problem was solved, using the latest technology.

Verb:Solved
Who/what solved : problem

but second clause doesnt make sense : using the latest technology
Verb:using
Who/what did using : No-one
IS above the reason for the dangling modifier?

If the sentence had been, the problem was solved using the latest technology
Again here how was problem solved , using the latest technology, in this case the verb modifier "using the latest technology" modifies verb solved , is the sentence correct now?
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