Modifier for of-phrase?

Question

This is a list of researchers submitted to R&D.This sounds that the list was submitted.This is a list of researchers reviewed by R&D.Which is reviewed, the list or researchers?Usually, does the modifier following an of-phrase work with the whole of the phrase?Is it possible a modifier works only with the word after "of"?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Supercat
This is a list of researchers submitted to R&D.
This sounds ~~that~~ like the list was submitted.
To me too.
This is a list of researchers reviewed by R&D.
Which is reviewed, the list or researchers?
We don't know. I'm guessing that a list is less likely to be reviewed than the people listed there, so I suppose most people would think, rightly or wrongly, that the researchers are being reviewed.
Usually, does the modifier following an of-phrase work with the whole of the phrase?
I'm not aware of any research that has established this one way or the other.
Is it possible a modifier works only with the word after "of"?
No. It's definitely not only the word after "of" which can be modified. The whole phrase (X of Y) can be modified.

CJ

Modifier for of-phrase?

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