16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComma pair around an interrupting adverb

Standard English Conventions practice question

The revised bus timetable ____ has drawn a steady stream of complaints from commuters.

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

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

Answer: A. , however,

'however' interrupts the clause 'The revised bus timetable has drawn ... complaints'. An interrupter takes a comma on each side.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , however
Only one of the pair; the second comma, after 'however', is missing.
C. however,
Only one of the pair; the first comma, before 'however', is missing.
D. ; however,
A semicolon needs a complete clause before it, and 'The revised bus timetable' is only a subject.

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