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20 Jun 2020, 07:11
Kudos
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I get pretty confused when 'which' is used. Does 'which' refers to "ford model t" or "production of ford model t". I've seen many questions, in which, "which" refers to both. Can someone clear this doubt?
20 Jun 2020, 11:26
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ki97g
Hello, ki97g. I think a lot of people are afraid of using which because many incorrect GMAT™ answers incorporate it, typically as an ambiguous element. However, you have to let context guide you when it comes to qualifying a which clause. The notion that it must modify the preceding noun, the noun directly before the comma, is incorrect. Yes, the majority of the time, which will refer to the closest noun preceding it, but it can also reach over such a noun if, for example, that noun is the object of a preposition, as in, a pod of whales, which was found on a remote beach... The singular agreement of was would indicate a singular subject in pod, not the plural whales. Now consider the sentence at hand, with the correct answer inserted:
Production of the Ford Model T, which was colloquially known as the Tin Lizzie, commenced in 1908, during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, and was not discontinued until nearly two decades later, during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge, who stimulated competition in the automobile industry by lowering corporate taxes and encouraging consumer spending.
Notice that the Ford Model T is the object of the preposition, of, just as in my example above. However, we have to contextualize the which clause to answer to what it must refer. Would it make sense to say, production was colloquially known as the Tin Lizzie? Of course not. The meaning is nonsensical, and besides, why would we need the article the? Would it not make more sense to say that production was known as something, rather than as the something? Okay, so if that does not make sense, how about the alternative? The Ford Model T was colloquially known as the Tin Lizzie. That makes perfect sense, and the article the is even matched: the A was known as the B. Problem solved. In this sentence, which has to refer to the Ford Model T.
Be wary of which clauses, but do not be afraid of them. Best of luck with your studies.
- Andrew
25 Aug 2023, 13:43
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