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Help!!! OG Sentence correction.

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by sakali » Wed May 05, 2010 12:04 pm
codesnooker wrote:...
Rules of Infinitive:-

1. Infinitive phrase + COMMA + Main Clause
2. Start of Main clause + COMMA + Infinitive phrase + COMMA + End of Main clause
3. Main Clause + Infinitive phrase (without COMMA)

Option (E) breaks the third rule, hence INCORRECT option.
Thanks for the rules. Really helps.

In the MGMAT Sentence Correction book it states that the GMAT will never make a COMMA the deciding factor between a right and wrong answer choice.

What is the source of this question? I hope it's not one of the OG books.
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by Onell » Fri Dec 03, 2010 6:21 pm
pradeepkaushal9518 wrote:dear duong thang

a method to protect is wordy and doest not modify items of military equipment

hence A is wrong
Hi ,
I read @https://www.chompchomp.com/terms/infinitivephrase.htm
that Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Eg :To avoid burning another bag of popcorn, Brendan pressed his nose against the microwave door, sniffing suspiciously with every breath.
Therefore, in option E why cant to protect modify animal-hide shields with wooden frames. Is this a rule specific to gmat that infinitive phrases should not be preceded by comma?
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by e-GMAT » Fri Dec 03, 2010 9:08 pm
Hi Onell,

We cannot use a comma preceding a "to verb" (an infinitive). This is a rule that we should follow in GMAT and otherwise in written written as well. :) This rule is a generally accepted rule. This is the reason why Choice E is incorrect.

The source that you refer to in your post actually lists a very detailed framework on various possible constructions with "to verb". If you read that page in its entirety you will find the following take away messages:

If "to verb phrase" is used at the beginning of the main clause, then it must be separated by a comma. In this case, "to verb phrase" precedes the comma.

However, if "to verb phrase" appears at the end of the main clause, then it must not be separated by a comma.

Thanks,

Payal
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