A subsidiary motion:

A subsidiary motion is designed to assist the assembly in its consideration of a main motion. The primary function of a subsidiary motion is to modify, delay, or ultimately determine the fate of the main motion under discussion. This means that the correct understanding of a subsidiary motion is that it inherently serves to change the terms or implications of the main motion, which directly aligns with the notion of modifying it.

In most parliamentary procedures, subsidiary motions can take various forms, including amendments that make specific changes to the wording or intent of the main motion. This critical function allows members to refine proposals, making the decision-making process more precise and effective. Thus, the definition that a subsidiary motion "modifies the main motion" accurately captures its essential role in parliamentary procedure.

Other aspects regarding the usage of subsidiary motions can be misleading. For example, stating that a subsidiary motion cannot be used at a regular meeting of the executive board would ignore the flexibility allowed in most meeting formats, and the assertion that a subsidiary motion must be considered only after the main motion neglects the fact that some subsidiary motions can be presented concurrently with the main motion. Lastly, the claim that a subsidiary motion eliminates the main motion would be incorrect, as the purpose of such motions is to offer alternatives or