Use of modifier

Question

Dear All,When I write sometime like:[a noun] with [a noun] that [a modifier clause]e.g."A molecule with a distinct shape that corresponds to the special function ...."It is not clear whether the modifier clause "that corresponds to the special function" refers to the molecule or the shape. So, I rewrite it with commas:"A molecule, with a distinct shape, that corresponds to the special function ...."to make it clear that the modifier clause refers to the molecule.Is the use of commas okay in this case? Or should I rephrase the sentence somehow? Please kindly suggest me.Thank you very much.Best regards,Zeyar AungGraduate Student, Natl. Uni. Singapore

Jussive · Accepted Answer

This concerns defining and non-defining relative clauses:

A molecule with a distinct shape that corresponds to the special function .... (= molecule corresponds)

A molecule with a distinct shape, which corresponds to the special function .... (= shape corresponds)

Paco2004 · Answer

Hello Zeyaraun

I don't think the insertion of commas is a good way. "A molecule with a distinct shape" as a whole is a complex noun phrase to mean a specific molecule. If you change it into "a molecule, with a distinct shape, ", the meaning would differ from that of the original phrase (To me "with a distinct shape" appears to be something like an adverbial").

It is true that we sometimes find it a bit difficult to identify the antecedent of a relative pronoun when the antecedent is a complex phrase containing multiple nouns. I think there is no good way to avoid such ambiguity. And I believe this sort of ambiguity can occur no matter whether the relative clause is restrictive or non-restrictive.

paco

Zeyaraun · Answer

Dear Paco,

Thank you very much for your explanation.

Best regards,

Zeyar

Use of modifier

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