pk6969
A ing modifier after comma should agree with subject. Does this always need to be true? If yes, then is there an exception in this case.
Secondly, what's the difference between increase in and increase of, I couldn't use this distinction to eliminate answers. Please help
pk6969 ", ...ing" can serve two purposes:
1. describe the manner in which the subject did the verb in the preceding clause (the dog ran through the field, barking the whole way), or
2. describe an unintended consequence of the action in the preceding clause (Avi ran down the stairs, falling flat on his face).
In this case, the correct answer choice makes use of one or both of those purposes - I think you could make an argument for either of them.
Regarding your second question, about using of vs in... I think
GMATNinja gave a good analysis of that here:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-number-o ... l#p2804813That said, I think you should beware of memorizing anecdotal takeaways that are unlikely to be of use on other SC questions. After all, our purpose isn't to fully understand this particular problem. Our purpose is to merely use this problem in order to improve our general SC abilities over time. for this reason, try to focus on the bigger picture, logical/meaning related takeaways.
GMATNinja made a similar point in his second paragraph here:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-number-o ... l#p2811575