Writing: need an explanation

iin77
Mon, 28 May 2007 19:38:43 +0000

Ramakong is correct. Just eliminate superfluous words and you’ll get this:

The first signs are emerging, which reduces the chances that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates.

Doesn’t it just sound wrong? Well, that would be because it is wrong.

“Which” cannot refer to “The first signs are emerging,” because “The first signs are emerging” can’t reduce something, because it’s a clause, not a subject. Obviously, “The first signs” can reduce something, because it’s actually a subject.

So, since which is referring to the wrong thing, it’s obviously wrong. It doesn’t really matter how you fix it, because the question isn’t asking for that.