16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardComma after a parenthesis closing a dependent clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the results ____ they surprised everyone on the committee.

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

  1. A. results (which took months to compile) were released,Correct
  2. B. results (which took months to compile), were released
  3. C. results (which took months to compile) were released;
  4. D. results (which took months to compile were released),

Answer: A. results (which took months to compile) were released,

The parenthetical aside sits inside the dependent clause 'When the results ... were released'. The comma that ends that opening clause comes after 'released', not after the parenthesis.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. results (which took months to compile), were released
A comma after the closing parenthesis separates the subject 'results' from its verb, and then the opening clause has no comma at its end.
C. results (which took months to compile) were released;
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; 'When the results ... were released' is dependent.
D. results (which took months to compile were released),
The closing parenthesis is misplaced, swallowing the verb into the aside.

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