A star will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a

Dear Friends,

Here is a detailed explanation to this question-



Choice A: In Option A, we see a case of distorted meaning, arising from the incorrect placement of a modifier; as the modifying phrase "depending on mass" follows the noun "red giant stage", it appears to modify the "red giant stage" rather than modifying "the star". Thus, the sentence conveys that the star's post-compression form is dependent on its mass during the red star stage, rather than its original mass as a star. Therefore, Option A is incorrect.

Choice B: In Option B, the phrase “depending on its mass” is found between two commas; this placement is a major error, as this phrase conveys information critical to the meaning of the sentence. And only extraneous information can be placed between two commas. Thus, Option B is incorrect.

Choice C: In Option C, the modifying phrase "After passing through a red giant stage" incorrectly modifies the noun "a star's mass". As per the intended meaning of the sentence, the star is supposed to pass through a red giant stage. However, as per this construction “a star’s mass” will pass through the red giant stage. Thus, Option C alters the meaning of the sentence; therefore, it is incorrect.

Choice D: In Option D, the phrase "after passing through the red giant stage" correctly modifies the noun "star". Moreover, this option correctly conveys the meaning of the sentence, after passing through a red giant stage, a star will compress itself a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole, and which of these three it shall become depends on the star's mass.

Choice E: Option E repeats the same error as Option C.; the phrase "after passing through the red giant stage" modifies "The mass of the star". Thus, Option E is incorrect.

Hence, D is the best answer choice.

To understand the concept of “Avoiding Pronoun Ambiguity on GMAT”, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):



To understand the concept of “Extra Information between Two Commas on GMAT”, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):



All the best!
Experts' Global Team

ExpertsGlobal5 avigutman how can this be a confusion- comma verb ing cn only modify prev clause so why are we confused about ti referring to star vs giant? THat is not even a question

ExpertsGlobal5 avigutman how can this be a confusion- comma verb ing cn only modify prev clause so why are we confused about ti referring to star vs giant? THat is not even a question

ExpertsGlobal5 of course i Know that. Point is why is the confusion regarding the 'noun' which it is modifying? Shouldnt it be something to do with the clause? Do you agree with the same or not and in that light can you provide a correct explanation based on this instead?