Sentence Correction

Hi All,

In different questions of OG, there are three different explanations given for the verb "ing" modifier regarding the thing that it modifies. I am really confused by these three different explanations.

Can someone please help me understand what is the concept behind verb "ing" modifier. How to find out what it actually modifies.

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1. As per OG-10, Q256. "To the historian Tacitus, the nephew of Pliny the Elder wrote two letters, being the only eyewitness accounts of the great eruption of Vesuvius."

Here OG says:"the verb phrase that begins being the only eyewitness accounts modifies the subject of the preceding clause, suggesting nonsensically that the nephew of Pliny the Elder himself was the eyewitness accounts."

That is "ing" verb form modifies subject of preceding clause.

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2. But as per Q43 of OG-11, "Five fledgling sea eagles left their nests in western Scotland this summer, bringing to 34 the number of wild"

Here OG says: "Bringing is the present participle of the verb to bring. As used here, it correctly describes an action that happens at the same time as the action in the main clause; bringing indicates that the number of wild birds became 34 when the five eagles left their nests."

That is "ing" verb form modifies the action of the preceding clause.

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3. But as per Q15 of OG-11, "The Iroquois were primarily planters, but supplementing their cultivation of maize, squash, and beans with fishing and hunting."

Here OG says: "The participle supplementing would normally be expected to modify the first clause, describing or extending its meaning, but the logic of this sentence demands a contrast, not an extension"

That is "ing" verb form modifies the entire previous clause.
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Thanks
Mohit