Use of which

[enniguy]

Consider the following two sentences:

1. Originally developed for detecting air pollutants, a technique called gamma-induced x-ray emission, which can quickly analyze the chemical elements ...

2. A technique originally developed for detecting air pollutants, called gamma-induced x-ray emission, which can quickly analyze the chemical elements ...

How is "which" in the 2nd sentence "incorrectly and illogically" modifies emission, whereas the "which" in the 1st sentence modifies the emission correctly?

Source: OG explanation. I really did not understand the difference and hence, I had to post partial text in this forum.

Please clarify.

Thanks.

[RonPurewal]

Consider the following two sentences:

1. Originally developed for detecting air pollutants, a technique called gamma-induced x-ray emission, which can quickly analyze the chemical elements ...

2. A technique originally developed for detecting air pollutants, called gamma-induced x-ray emission, which can quickly analyze the chemical elements ...

How is "which" in the 2nd sentence "incorrectly and illogically" modifies emission, whereas the "which" in the 1st sentence modifies the emission correctly?

Source: OG explanation. I really did not understand the difference and hence, I had to post partial text in this forum.

Please clarify.

Thanks.

ah yes, this one.

remember that "which" must modify either:
* the NOUN that comes directly before the comma
or
* the NOUN PHRASE ("X of Y", "the X called Y") that comes directly before the comma.

in this case, it's the technique that can quickly analyze things. therefore, you should attach the "which" modifier to that word. (apparently, it's acceptable if it manifests as a noun phrase rather than as a standalone noun, as it does in the correct answer here.)