BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Testing my understanding of prep-phrases as modifiers

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Locked
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2012 11:40 pm

Testing my understanding of prep-phrases as modifiers

by wazzawayne » Sat Mar 23, 2013 11:35 pm
While reviewing the MGMAT SC material, i came across this sentence - "The council granted the rights to make legal petitions to city officials"; this sentence was used as an example of how the placement of words can create ambiguity.. and I understand the 2 different meanings that are conveyed.

But just so that I can relate this ambiguity to the rules that I have learnt, could you please help me to understand what is the role that "TO CITY OFFICIALS" plays in the above sentence?

Is it playing the role of a verb modifier? A Noun modifier?

I feel that the prepositional phrase is playing the role of a verb modifier (modifying GRANTED) or Noun Modifier (modifying Petitions).
Top
Source: — Sentence Correction |
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2013 1:45 pm
Location: London/Toronto
Thanked: 8 times
Followed by:2 members

by Unlimitedgmat » Tue Mar 26, 2013 1:31 pm
While reviewing the MGMAT SC material, i came across this sentence - "The council granted the rights to make legal petitions to city officials"; this sentence was used as an example of how the placement of words can create ambiguity.. and I understand the 2 different meanings that are conveyed.

But just so that I can relate this ambiguity to the rules that I have learnt, could you please help me to understand what is the role that "TO CITY OFFICIALS" plays in the above sentence?

Is it playing the role of a verb modifier? A Noun modifier?

I feel that the prepositional phrase is playing the role of a verb modifier (modifying GRANTED) or Noun Modifier (modifying Petitions).
Hi wazzawayne,

You are correct. The ambiguity is stemming from the fact that the prepositional phrase, "to city officials" could work both as a noun and verb modifier, and so causes ambiguity
Mo Bazazi
Founder - Unlimited GMAT
----------
Visit www.unlimitedgmat.com for free sample tests and resources.

[email protected]

If you find one of my posts helpful, please take a moment to click on the "Thank" icon.
Top
Post new topic Locked
• Page 1 of 1