16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas around an interrupting phrase of time

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ by then nearly a century old, was finally replaced.

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

  1. A. organ,Correct
  2. B. organ
  3. C. organ;
  4. D. organ:

Answer: A. organ,

'By then nearly a century old' interrupts and takes commas on both sides.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. organ
The interruption is left open.
C. organ;
A semicolon splits the subject.
D. organ:
A colon splits the subject.

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