16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas with a nonessential participial phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

The old ____ built in 1820 to grind wheat, now houses a cafe.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. mill,Correct
  2. B. mill
  3. C. mill;
  4. D. mill—

Answer: A. mill,

The phrase 'built in 1820 to grind wheat' is nonessential and closes with a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. mill
The phrase is left open.
C. mill;
A semicolon splits the subject.
D. mill—
A dash does not match the closing comma.

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