16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumComma after an opening appositive

Standard English Conventions practice question

____ Mr Lam now runs the village archive single-handed.

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

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

Answer: A. A retired teacher,

'A retired teacher' renames Mr Lam — an appositive placed before the name. It is set off with a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. A retired teacher
Without the comma, 'A retired teacher Mr Lam' runs the description into the name.
C. A retired teacher;
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; 'A retired teacher' isn't one.
D. A retired teacher.
'A retired teacher.' is a fragment.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.