Essential Vs Non-Essential Modifiers

[gmatlive]

Hi,

This is regarding the following sentence from MGMAT SC Guide.

"Regina returned the dress, which was torn at one of the seams, to the store."

Would like to confirm why this sentence doesn't use an Essential modifier? Is it because of definite article "The Dress" which rules out many other possibilites.

Is this a correct usage of Essential modifier?

"Regina returned her dress that was torn at one of the seams to the store."

[RonPurewal]

Hi,

This is regarding the following sentence from MGMAT SC Guide.

"Regina returned the dress, which was torn at one of the seams, to the store."

first, and most importantly --
the idea of "essential" versus "nonessential" modifiers has never been dispositive in an official problem, so, as far as the gmat is concerned, these considerations are not a productive use of your study time.

on the other hand, if you are interested in this topic for other purposes (e.g., becoming a better writer of english in general), here's a brief explanation:

the sentence above could appear with either kind of modifier, depending on context.

if she only bought one dress -- or if the identity of that particular dress were already established (not possible in a single sentence, but quite possible in a paragraph or other larger context) -- then the construction above is appropriate.

on the other hand, if she bought several dresses -- of which one was defective -- and then returned the defective one, you would need to use a modifier that narrows down the noun: Regina returned the dress that was torn at one seam to the store.

[gmatlive]

Thanks a lot Ron. Your reply clarifies my question.

[tim]

:)