0
Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Quick SAT Writing Question

Some beaches are frequently contaminated by untreated sewage that flows into the ocean, which can last for several days.

This is the sentence from a SAT practice test online. The solution says that relative clause "which can last for several days" cannot modify the verb "contaminated." Why can't it? I would assume that perhaps the apparent proximity of the clause to the noun "ocean" might be the cause here, but just wanted to clarify.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Last is a verb. It can describe what a noun does, but not a verb. In this case, contamination could last for several days, but are contaminated cannot.

— Blue Jay

  • Last is a verb.
  • It can describe what a noun does, but not a verb.
  • In this case, contamination could last for several days, but are contaminated cannot.
  • The contamination of the beach lasted for several days.
  • Good.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
Last is a verb. It can describe what a noun does, but not a verb. In this case, contamination could last for several days, but are contaminated cannot.
The contamination of the beach lasted for several days. Good.
The beach was contaminated for several days.
0
0
Relative clauses always modify nouns. It is not grammatically possible for it to modify the word "contaminated".
0

Related Questions