16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComma pair around a nonessential 'which' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The stone bridge ____ is closed for repairs until spring.

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

  1. A. , which was built in 1890,Correct
  2. B. which was built in 1890
  3. C. , which was built in 1890
  4. D. which was built in 1890,

Answer: A. , which was built in 1890,

'which was built in 1890' adds information about an already-identified bridge. A nonessential clause in the middle of a sentence is set off by a comma on each side.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. which was built in 1890
A 'which' clause adding extra information needs commas.
C. , which was built in 1890
Only the first comma; the clause must be closed with a second one before 'is'.
D. which was built in 1890,
Only the second comma; the clause must be opened with one after 'bridge'.

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