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syflysun1
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A of B

by syflysun1 Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:14 pm

After finishing og sc questions and reading many threads, I did make some useful conclusions. A of B, is definitely one of them.

A of B that
A of B, which.
We need to pay special attention to it, since that or which can modify either A or B.
I think the best to identify via S-V agreement.

A of B, including, such as generations of actors, including Anthony Hopkins (wrong)
We need to read carefully on this structure as well, since including can either modify generations or actors.
Better expression: generations of actors, which include Anthony Hopkins

I just list some of my thoughts.
Could you add more thoughts on this kind of topics?
esledge
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Re: A of B

by esledge Mon Oct 19, 2009 4:49 pm

Generally, that or which used as a relative pronoun will modify the immediately preceding noun. You have noticed the (pretty rare) exception, in which a short essential modifier might actually separate the relative clause from the modified noun.

For example:
His most famous work of fiction, which is on the top shelf in my office, was influential to many writers that followed.

It is not fiction in general that is on the top shelf of my office! Rather, that one work (i.e. book) is on the shelf. This is an unavoidable "violation" of the general rule that noun modifiers must touch the modified noun, because of fiction is a necessary modifier that explains what we mean by work--the idea would truly be incomplete without it! Thus, which can still be understood to modify work.
Emily Sledge
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ManhattanGMAT