when the "like phrase" is placed following the main clause

[MichaelZ337]

Hi Ron

I want to seek your help on the "like phrase" usage regarding comparison.

(1) When the "like phrase" is used as an opening phrase, the noun included in the "like phrase" compares with the Subject of the main clause. I am sure of this.

For example: Like Lucy, Tom knows a lot of Mahattan GMAT's students. (In this sentence, Lucy compares with Tom)

(2) When the "like phrase" is placed following the main clause, with a comma before "like", does the noun included in the "like phrase" also compare with the Subject of the main clause? I am confused.

For example: Tom knows a lot of Mahattan GMAT 's students, Like Lucy. (In this sentence, Lucy still compares with Tom? or Lucy compares with students?)

The above concern comes from question #85 of OG 13. In choice A, I think that the "like structure" forces the comparison between "that of earlier generations" and "owning and living in a house", and this is illogical. Could you please confirm my reasoning?

Thank you!

[RonPurewal]

Like Lucy, Tom does xxxxx
Tom, like Lucy, does xxxxx
Tom does xxxxx, like Lucy
all three of these are comparisons between tom and lucy, regardless of whether there are other names in the "xxxxx" part.

[RonPurewal]

Like Lucy, Tom does xxxxx
Tom, like Lucy, does xxxxx
Tom does xxxxx, like Lucy
all three of these are comparisons between tom and lucy, regardless of whether there are other names in the "xxxxx" part.

the third, by the way, will be used by a good writer only if the first two versions are both impossible for some reason. if either of the first two is possible, then using the third is just bad writing.

[MichaelZ337]

Thank you Ron! Your explanation is always best to me!

[RonPurewal]

you're welcome.