Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdome

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION



THE PROMPT


This question tests modifiers and the frequent face-off between [comma + WHICH] and [comma + ___ING]

THE OPTIONS


• what is using a laparoscope? Not ovaries.
→ even if you have no idea what a laparoscope is, the words procedure and outpatient should tell you that a human someone or perhaps a robotic something is using a tool
→ we have a “dangling” modifier: whatever the modifier is supposed to describe is not actually stated in the sentence
ELIMINATE A

• which must modify a noun, but in this option which impermissibly tries to modify the whole phrase using a laparoscope
→ which usually modifies the immediately preceding noun (or the head noun of a prepositional phrase), and you might be tempted to think that which correctly refers to laparoscope
-- Not so fast. GMAC likes to trap aspirants into using mechanical rules rather than logic.
-- The laparoscope itself does not allow the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
The use of the laparoscope does so.
→ the commas that flank the essential phrase using a laparoscope are troublesome—not enough to be the basis of elimination on your first review pass, but enough to give pause because essential modifiers should not be set off by commas
• If you cannot decide, keep (B) and look for a better answer
ELIMINATE B


• which has the same problems as those in option B
• the sentence seems to suggest that doctors can use a laparoscope after they remove the ovaries
• again, if you are not certain, keep (C) and look for a better answer
ELIMINATE C

• correct
• who or what is using a laparoscope? A doctor. The modifier both has a noun to describe and is placed right next to that noun
• allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis correctly modifies the entire preceding clause
-- allowing is a present participle (a verbING)
-- ___ING words placed after a comma can modify the entire preceding clause.
Often but not always such participles present the result or consequence of the previous clause.
KEEP (and eliminate B or C or both if you kept them)

• By being done is a noun modifier. What does it modify? Ovaries???
→ the modifier should modify the removal of ovaries
• This sentence is confusing.
→ By being done is strange and awkward
→ Compared to (D), this option is a stylistic train wreck.
ELIMINATE E

The correct answer is D

GMAC frequently tests [COMMA + WHICH] against [COMMA + ___ING].
I would suggest that you really learn how each construction works.

COMMENTS

I really like the diversity of this group of posters.

This is the first day in many that I did not get to say, "Welcome," to someone.
I will repeat my standing invitation instead and be just as happy:
All non-expert aspirants have a standing invitation to participate in SC Butler.

If you explain the concept, you will sear it into your memory.
Plus, what fun is passive learning?

Kudos go to those who explained.

IMO D.
D is succint and the intended meaning is conveyed.


A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

"Using a laparoscope" is placed incorrectly.

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

This is ok but we have a better option.

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
Incorrectly placed modifier
Changes the meaning.

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
Correct.

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.
This is passive and awkward.

Posted from my mobile device

My answer is (D). It took me 40 seconds.

(A) Dangling modifier: The subject of the main clause, "ovaries", could not use a laparoscope.
(B) See (A)
(C) "Removing ..." should be "(in order) to remove...".
(E) Passive voice should better be avoided. "being" in "being done" is almost always incorrect.

generis you missed underlining the sentence

Using a laparoscope - it refers to Doctor so all the choices except D makes the error.
Answer is D


Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.[/quote]

Posted from my mobile device

Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. // ovaries do not use a laparoscope, "which" can not modify a sentence or an action unless action is implied by a noun,i.e. running.

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. // "which" is a nonessential modifier, yet the information after "which" seems essential. "a laparoscope" does not allow the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis, using a laparoscope does. However, "using a laparoscope" is not a noun here. It's a verbing modifier. One can assert that after removing "using a laparoscope" we need to have a meaningful sentence. Yet, in such a case, "which" modifies abdomen.

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. // "which" is a nonessential modifier, yet the information after "which" seems essential. "a laparoscope" does not allow the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis, using a laparoscope does.

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. //correct

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen. // "being" here implies continuous tense. However, it is not logical to use continuous tense for factual information. Ovaries cannot be done on an outpatient basis, ovaries are done before we were born. ?

Posted from my mobile device
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gmat1393 , edited. Thank you.

Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

POE:
Stop sign - 'ovaries'; wrong modifier plus which is wrongly used. Eliminate (A) & (C)
Eliminate (E) - 'being' is redundant on GMAT.
(B)vs (D). (D) is short, simple, and clear. Eliminate (B)

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an out patient basis.

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. - CORRECT

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
Incorrect . wrong use of -ing modifier on ovaries.

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
Incorrect-placemnt of which after laparoscope.
C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
Incorrect- same modifier error
D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
Correct
E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.
Incorrect- by being done usage wrong
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IMO D is the correct answer.

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
--> Eliminate because "Using a laparoscope" modifies "ovaries", which is awkward. We should use active form instead of passive form

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
--> Eliminate because same error as A. Besides, "which" phrase modifies "laparoscope" is not correct

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
--> Eliminate because "which" phrase modifies "laparoscope" is not correct

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
--> Correct because "Using a laparoscope" modifies "a doctor" and "allowing the procedure..." correctly modifies the whole clause before comma

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen
--> Eliminate because using all passive form makes the sentence sound weird

imo D

Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
-- ovaries cann't use laparoscope .. modifier issue ...

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
-- ovaries cann't use laparoscope .. modifier verbing neither placed correctly nor giving logical ref.

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

-- Seems a Meaning change with the opening removing and main focus on doc can use laparoscope..

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
-- Correct ..

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.[/quote]
-- Incorrect use of being .. Also tangled meaning ..

Sentence Structure
Subject - Verb - Modifier

Using a laparoscope,
a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen,

allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

Issues:

The meaning MUST be the succinct and clear: Be literal in GMAT-SC.

Answer choice analysis:

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

Ovaries are using a laparoscope: Nope. Zilt. Nada. OUT!

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

I'll be honest - this sentence adds some sense until "which" is introduced. Non-eesential modifier | Passive - OUT!

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

The sentence adds some sense until "which" is introduced. Furthermore, the CLARITY is missing:
Removal of ovaries, the doctor, laparoscope, procedure allow, outpatient basis - Everything is messed up.
C is inferior to D. OUT!

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

The result( allowing the procedure ) is stated by the doctor without opening the abdomen:
Sweet ---> Succint. D is the winner!

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.

Ovaries by being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope: Similar to Option-A - Not again. OUT!

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Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

Meaning:
Using a laparoscope, Overies can be removed without opening the abdomen, as a result procedure can be done on an outpatient basis.

Issue:
It seems to be a modifier issue, as which cannot act as a result modifier and erroneously modifying the abdomen.

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. ------> Use of which is incorrect, as "which" is modifying the abdomen which doesn't make sense, and the placement of "Using a laparoscope" doesn't sound right, who is using the laparoscope (ovaries cannot use laparoscope)

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. ---> which now modifies the laparoscope, so the sentence seems to suggest that laparoscope allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. As per sentence meaning it's not the laparoscope but the act of removing the overies using laparoscope without opening the abdomen that allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis, so incorrect.

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. ----> Same error as B

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. ---> Correct. Using a laparoscope is correctly modifying a doctor and it is using the verbing modifier "allowing"

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen. ---> By being done sound awkward.

A) Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

Incorrect - modifying error, 'Using' modifies 'ovaries' , ovaries cant be use a laparoscope; which modifies the abdomen

B) Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

Incorrect - modifying error, which modifies laparoscope

C) Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscope, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

Incorrect - wrong modifier places, which modifies laparoscope

D) Using a laparoscope, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.

Correct - seems good

E) By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.

Incorrect - passive form, awkward contruction
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The official explanation is here.

This question contains two modifiers, which have not been placed correctly in the original sentence.
Questions that begin with a participle phrase can have a dangling modifier error if the appropriate subject is not placed after the participle phrase. The participle phrase in this is “Using a laparoscope”.

In Option A, the participle phrase is followed by the noun ‘ovaries’. Even if the part of the sentence after the participle phrase is in the passive voice, the noun ‘ovaries’ becomes the subject of the modifier because it is placed after the participle phrase. Ovaries cannot use a laparoscope, so the sentence isn’t logical. Therefore, Option A can be eliminated.

There is another modifier in the sentence - the clause “which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis”. This is a clause that begins with the relative pronoun 'which'. A relative pronoun refers to the noun immediately before it. In Option B, the noun immediately before the clause is ‘abdomen’. This placement conveys the meaning that the abdomen is the one that allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. Since the meaning conveyed is not logical, we can eliminate Option B also.

In Option C, the clause is preceded by the noun ‘laparoscope’. The sentence thus conveys the meaning that the laparoscope allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis. This meaning is not logical, so, Option C can also be eliminated.

In Option E, there is another participle phrase “by being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscope”. This is followed by the noun ‘ovaries’, making it the subject of the modifier. So, Option E can also be eliminated.

The intended meaning of the sentence is that a doctor can remove the ovaries without opening the abdomen by using a laparoscope and that this way of doing the procedure allows it to be done on an outpatient basis. Option D conveys this meaning effectively by using a participle phrase at the beginning and end of the sentence. A participle phrase at the end of the sentence acts as an absolute modifier. It does not need a subject immediately before it. It modifies the entire sentence. So, the sentence is logically correct.

Therefore, Option D is the most appropriate option.
Jayanthi Kumar.
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