ing-verb without a comma beforehand

[MichaelZ337]

Hi Ron,

when ing-verb is placed after a noun-phase without a comma between them, will the ing-verb modify the closest noun, or will the ing-verb modify the core of the phrase?

for example, question 126 of the guide, in choice C:

[redacted]

in the EGMAT Navigator, the instructor said that "creating" modifies "individual", but I thought that "creating" should modify the core of the phrase, i.e. "emotional reactions". what do you think? and what are your idea to eliminate C?

thanks!

[RonPurewal]

in general, when there is no comma in front of it, "__ing" refers to the directly preceding noun (= "individual" here).

that creates a nonsense meaning, because an individual cannot create an unconscious response--that's the whole point of the word "unconscious".

[RonPurewal]

please read the forum rules, by the way.

do not quote the OG problems, or any part of those problems, here.

thank you.