Modifier

Question

Hi,

Can anyone please explain me what modifier exactly is? I tried understanding but still not clear.i have a basic idea about Modifier, but get confused when it comes in a large complex sentence. Please explain me in details with few simple and complex examples.

Thanks
Vivek

skovinsky · Answer

Hi,

a modifier is a description. Modifiers can be as small as one word or as long as a full phrase.

Here's the basic rule followed by the GMAT:

Modifiers must be placed as closely as possible to whatever they modify.

One modifier that's tested on the GMAT is the word "only"; depending on where you put the word, you completely change the meaning of the sentence. For example:

Now, you may think that this sentence means that Bob looks at his wife and no one else. However, since the word "only" is placed before "looks at", it actually means that Bob looks at his wife, but doesn't do anything else to her; doesn't sound like love to me!

Contrast that example with:

Here, "only" is right beside "his wife". This sentence makes more sense - now we know that Bob is in love because he looks at his wife and no one else.

The GMAT also tests more complex modifying phrases. The most common way the GMAT does so is with introductory phrases separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma. For example:

It's clear from the sentence that the author meant "reclusive and anti-social" to apply to JD Salinger. However, since "Catcher and the Rye" comes immediately after the comma, the author has failed to express herself properly. The sentence should read:

Modifier

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards