16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardClosing a clause about an empty house

Standard English Conventions practice question

The house, which had been empty for ____ was sold at auction.

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

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

Answer: A. years,

The which-clause opened with a comma must close with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. years
The closing comma is missing.
C. years;
A semicolon splits the subject from its verb.
D. years, and
The conjunction leaves the subject without a verb.

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