16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardEssential appositive takes no commas

Standard English Conventions practice question

The composer ____ finished the whole symphony in a single month.

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

  1. A. Elena MarshCorrect
  2. B. , Elena Marsh,
  3. C. , Elena Marsh
  4. D. Elena Marsh,

Answer: A. Elena Marsh

'The composer' on its own doesn't say which composer; the name is essential to identify her. Essential appositives take no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , Elena Marsh,
Commas would make the name an aside, implying there is only one composer in the world.
C. , Elena Marsh
A lone comma before the name has no partner and separates the name from 'The composer'.
D. Elena Marsh,
A lone comma after the name separates the subject from its verb 'finished'.

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