Exception to the "Touch Rule" for noun modifiers

[metallicfacez]

Hello,

According to the Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guide, there are exceptions to the "touch rule" for noun modifiers, for example "mission-critical" modifiers:

(specific example from the book)

He had a way OF DODGING OPPONENTS that impressed the scouts

Note: In this case, it's clear that the word "that" cannot modify the word "opponents" (as "that" cannot modify people); therefore, "that" must be modifying the entire underlying phrase.

However, if I modify the example to the following:

He had a special way OF EATING COOKIES that impressed the judges

Question: is the usage above still correct? The word "that" can now modify either way of eating cookies or just cookies.

Please advise. Thanks!

[jnelson0612]

Hello,

According to the Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guide, there are exceptions to the "touch rule" for noun modifiers, for example "mission-critical" modifiers:

(specific example from the book)

He had a way OF DODGING OPPONENTS that impressed the scouts

Note: In this case, it's clear that the word "that" cannot modify the word "opponents" (as "that" cannot modify people); therefore, "that" must be modifying the entire underlying phrase.

However, if I modify the example to the following:

He had a special way OF EATING COOKIES that impressed the judges

Question: is the usage above still correct? The word "that" can now modify either way of eating cookies or just cookies.

Please advise. Thanks!

Good question! Check out Ben's comments in this thread: sentence-correction-chapter-7-problem-set-question-5-t8151.html Since we have an intervening essential modifier the second sentence should be acceptable.