Half-Giant powerful build help

[Syrinth]

Hey everyone, just trying to double-check something...

One of my players is playing a half-giant, and as such has powerful build. Now, powerful builds states:

"Whenever a half-giant is subject to a size modifier or special size modifier for an opposed check (such as during grapple checks, bull rush attempts, and trip attempts), the half-giant is treated as one size larger if doing so is advantageous to him."

Does that apply to when he is initiating a grapple check? The sticky part is the wording "is subject to".

[Curmudgeon]

Yes, the Half-Giant is subject to the modifier. It's a non-optional component of the check. As such, Powerful Build allows the Half-Giant to use a modifier as if they were one size larger.

Plus, of course, grapple checks are explicitly mentioned in the ability.