Hi Experts,
VeritasKarishma GMATNinja
In A, I agree that if we remove modifier "in confining...walkers", sentence seems incomplete.
Does A communicate illogical meaning?
What's the meaning difference between In confining vs confining (A vs C)?

(A) that, in confining babies much of the time to strollers, high chairs, playpens, and walkers, muscle development can be inhibited

In option (A), "in confining babies ... to strollers..." acts as a modifier modifying "muscle development".
But muscle development is not the one confining babies.

We need to say that confining babies inhibits muscle development.
"Confining babies" is the subject, the do-er of the action of inhibiting muscle development.

(C) that confining babies much of the time to strollers, high chairs, playpens, and walkers can inhibit muscle development

Clearly tells us "confining babies can inhibit muscle development" - Correct
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Hello Sneha2021,

We hope this finds you well.

Having gone through the question and your query, we believe we can resolve your doubt.

The construction "in + present participle ("verb+ing" - "confining" in this sentence)" is a modifying phrase that conveys the meaning "by taking a particular action" or "in the process of taking a particular action". In Option A, the phrase "in confining babies much of the time to strollers..." incorrectly modifies "muscle development", illogically implying that it is muscle development that confines babies in strollers etc.

In Option C, the present participle ("verb+ing" - "confining" in this sentence) is not part of a modifying phrase; rather, it acts as a gerund - a noun - that refers to the act of "confining babies much of the time to strollers..." and is the subject of the clause. Thus, Option C conveys the intended meaning - that the act of confining babies much of the time to strollers, high chairs, playpens, and walkers can inhibit muscle development.

We hope this helps.
All the best!
Experts' Global Team
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