Squinting Modifiers: Are we tested on this on GMAT?

[sachin.w]

Squinting
Modifiers
A squinting modifier is an ambiguously placed modifier that can modify either the word before
it or the word after it.
Incorrect: Defining your terms clearly strengthens your argument.
Does defining "clearly strengthen" or does "defining clearly" strengthen?
Correct: Defining your terms will clearly strengthen your argument.
OR A clear definition of your terms strengthens your argument.

Source: http://www.sheridancollege.ca/services/ ... fiers.ashx

If this is tested, I guess this should go into the strategy guide..

Regards,
Sach

[jlucero]

If we put all of the rules of the English language in our SC strategy guide, the book would be much (much, much) longer. Your example falls under the second of our 3 rules of SC: grammar, meaning, concision.

If a sentence has a wrong meaning, the sentence is wrong. And the modifier that is clearly expressing one and only one item is clearer in meaning than the one that does not. However, this does not come up as often as grammar mistakes on SC questions.