Noun modifier ambiguity - elimination strategy.

[JbhB682]

Hi - I was wondering for SC - if the concept of noun modifier ambiguity exists ?

Noun modifier ambiguity is when the antecedent of the noun modifier may be
-- two or more nouns
-- both nouns make logical sense with the modifier

In that case, would it be fair to eliminate an answer choice that does this ?

[JbhB682]

Source : made up

Example : The asteroid around Jupiter's moon THAT WEIGHS 1000 tons is called X

Here the noun modifier in blue may be referring to
-- the asteroid or the moon
-- both nouns (Asteroid or the moon) make logical sense with the modifier

Given we are not sure what is the noun being referred to, this sentence is wrong

Is that a fair elimination strategy ?

[esledge]

Example : The asteroid around Jupiter's moon THAT WEIGHS 1000 tons is called X

You should eliminate this phrasing, for the reasons you gave. As with most verbal decisions on the GMAT, comparison would play a role: this sentence is problematic and you would likely have a another choice that avoids this problem.