Verb modifier - Q1 Ch 13 verbs & Comparisons

[ali1]

Having been shown into the office, Julia waited for the dentist to arrive.

I am having trouble with the above question. I keep thinking the modifier "having been shown into the office" modifies Julia, but the explanation says this actually modifies "waited". I know verb modifiers do not need to touch the verbs they modify, so would this be a correct sentence?

Julia waited for the dentist to arrive, having been shown into the office.

[messi10]

Hi,

I cannot say whether your sentence is grammatically incorrect or not, but it is not a good one. This is because using the participial phrase at the end of the sentence and using the comma you are creating a doubt as to who has been shown into the office (Julia or the dentist). Even though its quite obvious that it is Julia.

The better version of the sentence is the original one given in the book. I too agree, that it seems that it is modifying Julia rather than the verb "waited".

However, it does say in Chapter 6 that verb modifiers may apply to both, the verb and the verb's subject.

Perhaps someone can shed more light on participial phrases - How can we tell when its modifying a noun and when its modifying a verb?

Thanks

Sunil

[ali1]

Thanks for the reply Suni. I found some clarification in the Gmat prep book guide 8 4th edition. Refer to page 90 about modifiers.

[jnelson0612]

Good to hear. Good discussion!

[gmatango]

Even I came across looking for an explanation in this thread.

So to summarize is the participle phrase "Having been shown into the office" modifying Julia (noun) or waited (verb) ?

More importantly how to identify whether a participle phrase is a noun modifier or a verbal modifier ?

Experts need a word from you on this one please.


Thanks in advance.

Akshay

[tim]

Remember, your job on SC is not to identify what is correct, but to identify the incorrect options. So a modifier is correct if it is not incorrect. :) In other words, see if the modifier makes sense and follows all the relevant rules, and that's how you will know whether to eliminate it..