Modifier, noun, modifier -- when to use this form?

[bernardofrancomillan]

Hello -

While going through a few SC problems, I found a few inconsistencies with the structure: modifier + noun/subject + modifier. In general I have found that the GMAT does not like this form over clearer forms such as just having one modifier in the sentence and introducing a semi-color to express a separate clause; however, I have found cases in which this former modifier form is valid. Can anyone explain in which cases this form is correct and in which cases it is incorrect?

My examples are from the OG so I cannot quote here, however, I have created my own examples:

"As a swimmer and as a student, John Nash, one of the most influential mathematicians, taught advanced statistical courses" --> This construction is apparently awkward

"With red hair and using a different name, John Smith, the first actor to use red pants, was discharged from prison last year for killing a dog"
--> this construction is apparently correct

Thx!

[dmitryknowsbest]

I think the simplest way to reconcile this is to recognize that a) this is a stylistic preference rather than a grammar rule, and b)the GMAT is not entirely consistent on these issues.

However, there is one important grammatical difference. Both of the opening modifiers are adverbial; that is, they don't just modify the noun, but rather the *action* performed by the noun. In other words, in the first sentence you are saying that John Nash taught courses "as a swimmer and a student." This clearly doesn't make sense, but we can say that John Smith was discharged "with red hair and using a different name."

[bernardofrancomillan]

Thanks, Dmitry!

[RonPurewal]

hi bernardo --

you are correct that you are not allowed to post the actual sentences from the OG here. however, it would be helpful if you could reference the problem numbers (and answer choices, if applicable), so that i can take a look and figure out what's going on.

dmitry is correct that gmac's usage conventions are sometimes inconsistent and, in some (fortunately only a few) cases, contradictory to rules that have been posited in earlier editions of their guides.
however, what's also possible is that the answer key contains statements that are intended to apply only to the sentence at hand, but that you are misinterpreting as more widely applicable. i've seen this happen quite a bit -- the answer keys contain declarations whose language makes them seem more universal than they really are; in general, unless you can find absolute proof to the contrary, you should assume that all statements made in OG answer keys are meant to apply only to the problem at hand.

also, finally, about 3-5% of what's written in the OG answer keys is ... well, wrong.
one can definitely tell that gmac has its star talent writing the questions, and its lesser talent writing the answer choices -- a situation that's certainly better than the reverse, but is still frustrating when one is trying to learn from the answer key.

so, please post which question #s you are referring to, and i'll take a look. thx