usage of with?

[Hei]

with [noun phrase], S+V+O.
S+V+O, with [noun phrase].
S+V+O with [noun phrase].

Which objects do "with [noun phrase]"s try to modify?
Is it true that "with [noun phrase]" always logically modify the closet noun?
I *think* that I have seen an OG question (with the same structure in my example #2) with an explanation complaining that "with [noun phrase]" could logically modify the subject or the object of the preceding clause.

Thanks in advance.

[RonPurewal]

this is one of those constructions that drives you batty: the 'with' construction can function as either an ADJECTIVE modifier or an ADVERB modifier.

examples for the first construction:
with teary eyes, lindsey told her mother about the broken vase. --> 'with teary eyes' is an ADVERB modifier, describing the action of telling her mother
with 34 million inhabitants, california is by far the most populous state --> 'with 34m inhabitants' is an ADJECTIVE modifier, modifying 'CA'

same things can go for the second construction.

--

the last construction is slightly different rhetorically, but the 'with' construction can still serve as either an adverb modifier or an adjective modifier:
i draw designs with a permanent marker --> 'with a permanent marker' is an ADVERB phrase, modifying the action of drawing the designs
i adore the girl with the big blue eyes --> 'with the big blue eyes' is an ADJECTIVE phrase, modifying 'the girl'

[JadeK255]

I want to clarify the usage of with on top of this discussion.
"With" is perfectly fine with followed by Noun or Noun+ modifier, but can "with" follow by a clause?
for example:
With their marketing expenses are higher, the companies are trying to lower other costs.

Is that allowed in GMAT?
Will be great if you can elaborate more on the usage of "with". Thank you very much.

this is one of those constructions that drives you batty: the 'with' construction can function as either an ADJECTIVE modifier or an ADVERB modifier.

examples for the first construction:
with teary eyes, lindsey told her mother about the broken vase. --> 'with teary eyes' is an ADVERB modifier, describing the action of telling her mother
with 34 million inhabitants, california is by far the most populous state --> 'with 34m inhabitants' is an ADJECTIVE modifier, modifying 'CA'

same things can go for the second construction.

--

the last construction is slightly different rhetorically, but the 'with' construction can still serve as either an adverb modifier or an adjective modifier:
i draw designs with a permanent marker --> 'with a permanent marker' is an ADVERB phrase, modifying the action of drawing the designs
i adore the girl with the big blue eyes --> 'with the big blue eyes' is an ADJECTIVE phrase, modifying 'the girl'

[RonPurewal]

no, "with" cannot be followed by a complete sentence.

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[RonPurewal]

Will be great if you can elaborate more on the usage of "with". Thank you very much.

^^ this question is much, much too general for a GMAT forum.

if you really want to see the whole wide variety of ways in which "with" -- or any other word/phrase/construction -- is used, then just open up hundreds of web pages on sites known for good formal writing, and search the text of those pages for "with" (or for whatever other word/phrase you're trying to investigate).

this forum is for SPECIFIC questions ABOUT SPECIFIC GMAT-RELATED items.
thanks.