Last visit was: 20 Nov 2025, 03:41 It is currently 20 Nov 2025, 03:41
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
monikajudd
User avatar
Joined: 16 Oct 2012
Last visit: 31 Aug 2013
Posts: 43
Own Kudos:
9
Posts: 43
Kudos: 9
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 28 Dec 2012, 13:49
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi All,

Which vs That

I know that which has to modify the word placed right before it and it can not modify a phrase.

Can that modify a phrase?

From OG Question 96 from the SC section

Floating in the waters of the equatorial Pacific, an array of buoys collects and transmits data on longterm interactions between the ocean andthe
atmosphere, interactions that affect global climate.
(A) atmosphere, interactions that affect
(B) atmosphere, with interactions affecting
(C) atmosphere that affects
(D) atmosphere that is affecting
(E) atmosphere as affects

The answer is A.

However, could the answer be C if affects is changed to affect?
Floating in the waters of the equatorial Pacific, an array of buoys collects and transmits data on longterm interactions between the ocean and the
atmosphere "that affect"

Can "that" modify interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere or can that only modify the noun immediately preceding it - in this case atmosphere?

Thanks a lot.

Archived Topic
Hi there,
This topic has been closed and archived due to inactivity or violation of community quality standards. No more replies are possible here.
Where to now? Join ongoing discussions on thousands of quality questions in our Verbal Questions Forum
Still interested in this question? Check out the "Best Topics" block below for a better discussion on this exact question, as well as several more related questions.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
User avatar
PrashantPonde
User avatar
Joined: 27 Jun 2012
Last visit: 29 Jan 2025
Posts: 321
Own Kudos:
2,740
Given Kudos: 185
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: Haas EWMBA '17
Schools: Haas EWMBA '17
Posts: 321
Kudos: 2,740
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 31 Dec 2012, 04:17
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Choice (C) is incorrect as "that" refers to Atmosphere rather than Interactions. Per intended meaning, Interactions are affecting the global climate, note just the atmosphere.

For further help on THAT vs WHICH, watch below video from GMAT-Pill:
https://www.gmatpill.com/presentations/f ... lesson.mp4
User avatar
Sachin9
User avatar
Joined: 22 Jul 2012
Last visit: 25 Dec 2015
Posts: 351
Own Kudos:
174
Given Kudos: 562
Status:Gonna rock this time!!!
Location: India
GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34
GMAT 2: 630 Q47 V29
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
GMAT 2: 630 Q47 V29
Posts: 351
Kudos: 174
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 07 Jan 2013, 04:03
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
monikajudd
Hi All,

Which vs That

I know that which has to modify the word placed right before it and it can not modify a phrase.

Can that modify a phrase?

From OG Question 96 from the SC section

Floating in the waters of the equatorial Pacific, an array of buoys collects and transmits data on longterm interactions between the ocean andthe
atmosphere, interactions that affect global climate.
(A) atmosphere, interactions that affect
(B) atmosphere, with interactions affecting
(C) atmosphere that affects
(D) atmosphere that is affecting
(E) atmosphere as affects

The answer is A.

However, could the answer be C if affects is changed to affect?
Floating in the waters of the equatorial Pacific, an array of buoys collects and transmits data on longterm interactions between the ocean and the
atmosphere "that affect"

Can "that" modify interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere or can that only modify the noun immediately preceding it - in this case atmosphere?

Thanks a lot.
Show more

I would also like to know if 'that' can refer to interactions if affects is changed to affect.

Also, isnt A an absolute phrase??
User avatar
jumsumtak
User avatar
Joined: 23 Mar 2011
Last visit: 14 Jun 2023
Posts: 1,092
Own Kudos:
594
 [1]
Given Kudos: 479
Concentration: Healthcare, Strategy
Schools: Duke '16 (M)
Schools: Duke '16 (M)
Posts: 1,092
Kudos: 594
 [1]
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 10 Jan 2013, 09:00
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
No 'that' here can not refer to interactions.
that pretty much functions like a which (for this kind of usage)

yes it is an absolute phrase.
use with-surface-temperatures-estimated-at-minus-230-degrees-143219.html
for more info.
User avatar
Sachin9
User avatar
Joined: 22 Jul 2012
Last visit: 25 Dec 2015
Posts: 351
Own Kudos:
174
Given Kudos: 562
Status:Gonna rock this time!!!
Location: India
GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34
GMAT 2: 630 Q47 V29
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
GMAT 2: 630 Q47 V29
Posts: 351
Kudos: 174
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 18 Jan 2013, 22:10
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
jumsumtak
No 'that' here can not refer to interactions.
that pretty much functions like a which (for this kind of usage)

yes it is an absolute phrase.
use with-surface-temperatures-estimated-at-minus-230-degrees-143219.html
for more info.
Show more

why can't that refer to interactions if the verb affects is changed to affect.. as affect can't now refer to the singular atmosphere.
User avatar
jumsumtak
User avatar
Joined: 23 Mar 2011
Last visit: 14 Jun 2023
Posts: 1,092
Own Kudos:
594
Given Kudos: 479
Concentration: Healthcare, Strategy
Schools: Duke '16 (M)
Schools: Duke '16 (M)
Posts: 1,092
Kudos: 594
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 19 Jan 2013, 00:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Sachin9
jumsumtak
No 'that' here can not refer to interactions.
that pretty much functions like a which (for this kind of usage)

yes it is an absolute phrase.
use with-surface-temperatures-estimated-at-minus-230-degrees-143219.html
for more info.

why can't that refer to interactions if the verb affects is changed to affect.. as affect can't now refer to the singular atmosphere.
Show more

I see what you are saying here. Valid concern.

see if this helps.
https://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/usa ... 15311.html

please check the exceptions in the 'advanced modifiers section' .
User avatar
Sachin9
User avatar
Joined: 22 Jul 2012
Last visit: 25 Dec 2015
Posts: 351
Own Kudos:
174
Given Kudos: 562
Status:Gonna rock this time!!!
Location: India
GMAT 1: 640 Q43 V34
GMAT 2: 630 Q47 V29
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
GMAT 2: 630 Q47 V29
Posts: 351
Kudos: 174
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 19 Jan 2013, 00:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
jumsumtak
Sachin9
jumsumtak
No 'that' here can not refer to interactions.
that pretty much functions like a which (for this kind of usage)

yes it is an absolute phrase.
use with-surface-temperatures-estimated-at-minus-230-degrees-143219.html
for more info.

why can't that refer to interactions if the verb affects is changed to affect.. as affect can't now refer to the singular atmosphere.

I see what you are saying here. Valid concern.

see if this helps.
https://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/usa ... 15311.html

please check the exceptions in the 'advanced modifiers section' .
Show more

I guess it can refer to interactions.. But it would be better if some expert confirms on this..
User avatar
jumsumtak
User avatar
Joined: 23 Mar 2011
Last visit: 14 Jun 2023
Posts: 1,092
Own Kudos:
594
 [1]
Given Kudos: 479
Concentration: Healthcare, Strategy
Schools: Duke '16 (M)
Schools: Duke '16 (M)
Posts: 1,092
Kudos: 594
 [1]
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 19 Jan 2013, 00:46
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I stand corrected.
'That' does not function like 'which', in that it can be slightly away from the noun it modifies. And from that logic it can modify interactions here. (after interactions there is a "mission critical" modifier)

right. something new !
User avatar
dentobizz
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 23 Jul 2010
Last visit: 12 Jun 2021
Posts: 401
Own Kudos:
1,940
 [2]
Given Kudos: 370
GPA: 3.5
WE:Business Development (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)
Posts: 401
Kudos: 1,940
 [2]
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 19 Jan 2013, 14:12
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
monikajudd
Hi All,

Which vs That

I know that which has to modify the word placed right before it and it can not modify a phrase.

Can that modify a phrase?

From OG Question 96 from the SC section

Floating in the waters of the equatorial Pacific, an array of buoys collects and transmits data on longterm interactions between the ocean andthe
atmosphere, interactions that affect global climate.
(A) atmosphere, interactions that affect
(B) atmosphere, with interactions affecting
(C) atmosphere that affects
(D) atmosphere that is affecting
(E) atmosphere as affects

The answer is A.

However, could the answer be C if affects is changed to affect?
Floating in the waters of the equatorial Pacific, an array of buoys collects and transmits data on longterm interactions between the ocean and the
atmosphere "that affect"

Can "that" modify interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere or can that only modify the noun immediately preceding it - in this case atmosphere?

Thanks a lot.
Show more

This could help
https://magoosh.com/gmat/2012/that-vs-which-on-the-gmat/
avatar
neoB
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 14 Sep 2013
Last visit: 04 Jul 2021
Posts: 18
Own Kudos:
16
 [2]
Given Kudos: 3
Location: India
Schools: ISB '15 (M)
WE:Medicine and Health (Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)
Schools: ISB '15 (M)
Posts: 18
Kudos: 16
 [2]
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 04 Nov 2013, 16:35
2
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
So...if we ignore the verb form here (i.e. whether it is 'affect' or 'affects'), then how to decide that 'that' refers to whether 'interactions' or 'atmosphere'??
User avatar
KyleWiddison
User avatar
Manhattan Prep Instructor
Joined: 30 Apr 2012
Last visit: 06 Jul 2016
Posts: 781
Own Kudos:
2,684
Given Kudos: 5
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 781
Kudos: 2,684
Modifier "that" - can it modify a phrase? 12 Nov 2013, 13:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
neoB
So...if we ignore the verb form here (i.e. whether it is 'affect' or 'affects'), then how to decide that 'that' refers to whether 'interactions' or 'atmosphere'??
Show more

Interesting discussion here. Let's step back and look at the big picture with regarding modifiers. You have Noun Modifiers and Adverbial Modifiers. As the name suggests, Noun Modifiers modify nouns. With few exceptions, Noun Modifiers must "touch" the noun they modify. Those few exceptions are "mission critical modifiers" as was mentioned in an earlier post. Here is an example of a mission critical modifier - "Picasso's works of art, which are displayed in museums around the globe, are all priceless". The modifier is "which are displayed..." but this modifier does not modify art - the noun the modifier is touching. The modifier skips over the mission critical modifier "of art" to modify "Picasso's works". For the most part, these mission critical modifiers are very short and they are the exception, not the rule, when it comes to Noun Modifiers.

You are asking how to decide whether that refers to "interactions" or "atmosphere". Both of these are nouns, so we are left with the Noun Modifier "touch rule", resulting in "that" incorrectly modifying "atmosphere". You could try to make an argument that "between the ocean and the atmosphere" is mission critical, but it's awfully long to be a mission critical modifier. Also, it doesn't have the same level of criticality as "works of art". That said, you can see that the writers of the GMAT understand that this could be a point of confusion, so they introduced a S/V agreement error to invalidate answer choice C.

In general, the "touch" rule for noun modifiers will be a great source of eliminations for you on modifier problems.

KW

Archived Topic
Hi there,
This topic has been closed and archived due to inactivity or violation of community quality standards. No more replies are possible here.
Where to now? Join ongoing discussions on thousands of quality questions in our Verbal Questions Forum
Still interested in this question? Check out the "Best Topics" block above for a better discussion on this exact question, as well as several more related questions.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
Moderators:
miag
189 posts
u1983
Current Student
710 posts
MikeScarn
Current Student
275 posts