In C,D & E, OG says having/spreading modifies ‘analysis’, but since verbing modifier is after comma, should it not modify the entire preceding clause
An analysis of tree bark all over the globe shows that chemical insecticides have often spread thousands of miles from where they were originally used.
A. that chemical insecticides have often spread thousands of miles from where they were originally used
B. that chemical insecticides have spread, often thousands of miles from their original use
C. chemical insecticides, having often spread thousands of miles from where they were used originally
D. chemical insecticides, often spreading thousands of miles from where their original use
E. chemical insecticides, often spreading thousands of miles from where they were originally used
OA : A
Source : Verbal Review 2018
Question :
In option C,D & E, OG explains that having/spreading modifies ‘analysis’, but my doubt is since verbing modifier is after a comma, should it not modify the entire preceding clause instead of just the subject ?
A: Correct answer
B: “have often spread” and “have spread, often” have different meanings. “Thousands of miles from” where? From “original use”? Illogical. Hence this answer choice is incorrect
C,D and E: The analysis doesn’t show chemical insecticides. The analysis shows something about the chemical insecticides . Hence these answer choices are incorrect
Hope this helps 🙂
No. I have a very specific doubt about this question.
My doubt is
In option C,D & E, OG explains that having/spreading modifies ‘analysis’, but my doubt is since verbing modifier is after a comma, should it not modify the entire preceding clause instead of just the subject ?
Hey Nirvan,
Yes! A verb-ing modifier separated from a clause by a comma modifies the preceding clause. The modifier presents additional information about the clause or presents the result of the clause.
In the given sentence, “Spreading” is an action which needs a subject. It will associate with the subject of the preceding clause which conveys the meaning that “An analysis is spreading thousands of miles”
Hope this explanation is clear 🙂