SC Ch6 Q 11

[mike.s.mccann10]

Hi,

I am unsure about the answer for this question.

So from my understanding, a prepositional phrase can modify a noun or a verb. So, the answer modifies "Based on the recent decline in enrollment..." to "Because of the recent decline in enrollment" as the latter phrase is a prepositional and therefore can modify either the noun or the verb in the sentence.

However, my question is that doesn't this answer create ambiguity as the phrase "Because of the recent decline.." can refer to the verb phrase ("decided to reevalute) or the noun ("admissions office")?

Thanks,

Mike

[mike.s.mccann10]

Hey,

Sorry to belabour the point but can an instructor please advise?

Thanks

Mike

[RonPurewal]

"Based on xxxx" can only describe nouns. "Because of xxxx" can only describe actions/clauses.
These are mutually exclusive; there's no common ground. If one works, then the other doesn't.

e.g.
I failed a test based on the material in my textbook.
--> Here, "based on the material in my textbook" describes "a test". (NOT the action of failing the test.)
In other words:
* There was a test that covered the stuff in the book.
* I failed the test.
* The reason why I failed the test is not specified.

I failed a test because of the material in my textbook.
--> Here, "based on the material in my textbook" describes the action of failing the test. (NOT the test itself.)
In other words:
* There was a test. (About exactly what, we're not quite sure.)
* I failed it because my textbook material was confusing, or wrong, or whatever.

Hope this is clear.

[RonPurewal]

Two administrative things.

1/
Please read the forum rules. You need to [b]post the entire question[/i] that you're asking about (including answer choices, if they exist).
I don't normally have access to the books while posting on the forum. Other readers might not, either.

From this point onward, posts that don't follow the forum rules will be subject to deletion. Please read the rules.

Hey,

Sorry to belabour the point but can an instructor please advise?

Thanks

Mike

^^ If you do this, you're ensuring that we'll take longer to answer your post.

We answer these things strictly in order from oldest to newest. By posting this, you just made your post into the "newest" again. In other words, you got out of the queue, and now you're all the way at the back again.