A 2 min read

We have learned here that the modifiers of the construction – “noun + noun modifier” can either modify preceding clauses or modify preceding nouns.  This depends on the context of the sentence.   We can make this determination by understanding the meaning of the sentence.  In this post we will present a framework that will help to determine if this modifier modifies the preceding clause.

Framework

The skeleton sentence structure in question is as shown:

Clause, Noun + Noun modifier

“Noun + noun modifier” modifies the preceding clause if you can form two meaningful sentences in the following way.

1. CLAUSE
2. THIS IS + “noun + noun modifier” (where THIS refers to the CLAUSE)

Application of Framework on Example 1

Example 1:  The sentence below is is adapted from OG12#83 – Choice B

Only two dozen products accounted for half the increase in spending on prescription drugs, a phenomenon explained by the increase in number of prescriptions written by the doctors.

Applying this framework to the example sentence above, we see that the following two sentences make complete sense.  And hence this modifier is worded and placed correctly to modify the preceding clause.

1. Only two dozen products accounted for half the increase in spending on prescription drugs.
2. THIS IS a phenomenon explained by the increase in number of prescriptions written by the doctors.

Application of Framework on Example 2

Example 2:  This sentence is from GMATPrep with correct choice.

The majority of students entering law school this fall are expected to be women, a trend that will ultimately place more women in leadership position in politics and business.

Applying this framework to the example sentence above, we see that the following two sentences make complete sense.  And hence this modifier is worded and placed correctly to modify the preceding clause.

1. The majority of students entering law school this fall are expected to be women
2. THIS IS a trend that will ultimately place more women in leadership position in politics and business.

Take-Away Message

1. A modifier with the construction – noun + noun modifier – can modify the preceding clause.
2. This modification is correct  if two meaningful sentences can be formed in the following way:

• Sentence = Clause + , + {noun + noun modifier}
  • Meaningful Sentence 1. Clause
  • Meaningful Sentence 2. THIS IS noun + noun modifier (where this refers to the clause)

Where can you get more information?

In this post you have learned the framework that helps with the understanding of the context of the sentence to determine if the “noun + noun modifier” modifies the preceding clause.  Review this post to learn the framework that helps with the understanding of the context of the sentence to determine if such modifier modifies preceding noun phrase.

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