Meaning of "as a result"

[manhhiep2509]

This is my example:

As a result of spending enough time preparing for the GMAT, Tom passed the test with flying colors.

Does "as" in the phrase "as a result" indicate the function of the noun, i.e. Tom, that the phrase modifies?

If it does, which of the meanings is the correct?
Tom is the result of spending ....
"Tom passed the test".... is the result of spending...

Thank you!

[jlucero]

First off, these sorts of modifiers tend to modify either the subject that comes after the comma or the verb that goes along with the subject. So you're asking whether this warmup modifies Tom or Tom passing, and to be blunt, it doesn't really matter. I can't think of an example where you'd have to know this to answer a GMAT question. Of course there always seems to be exceptions to these things that people love to bring up, but in general, it's probably not that important to know. With that in mind, here's the answer to your question:

This isn't a firm rule, and isn't probably going to do much to help you on your GMAT, but adjectives and adverbs answer different questions:

Adjectives:
WHICH? The tallest dog
WHAT KIND? The red dog
HOW MANY? The three dogs

Adverbs:
HOW? With a screwdriver...
WHEN? At ten o'clock...
WHERE? In the park...
WHY? In order to answer your question...

In your example, "As a result of spending enough time preparing for the GMAT" answers the question HOW did Tom pass his test.