The use of Comma + V-ing modifier

[manhhiep2509]

Hello.

In many posts in the forum, Ron often said that the construction "COMMA + V-ing" expresses
(1) simultaneous actions or
(2) a result of the preceding actions.
However, it seems that GMAT also uses the construction for another purpose.

For example: This sentence is part of the question 5 of Review Verbal 2.

[---]

"using their power" does not express results or simultaneous actions, but the purpose of the preceding action.

Second example: this is the correct choice D of question 14 in Verbal Review 2.

[---]

[RonPurewal]

Please read the forum rules. Posting OG problems (or any part thereof) is not allowed here. Thanks.

[RonPurewal]

In terms of the comma + __ing modifier, just think about whether the __ing part is closely tied to the main sentence, in a way that can reasonably be described as "descriptive".
It could be a consequence (if the consequence is inevitable and direct); an explanation; an illustration; or whatever other kind of description.

Remember, English modifiers have to be able to express every relationship that any writer might ever want to express in a sentence!
Given that this is the case, there are going to be a lot of modifiers that play a diversity of roles. When it comes to such things, just think in general terms ("Does A reasonably describe B?"), rather than trying to memorize a list of specific cases.
If you're given a list of specific examples, don't just memorize it. Instead, try to generalize from it.