16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardEssential 'whose' clause takes no commas

Standard English Conventions practice question

Applicants ____ forms arrive after the deadline will not be considered.

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

  1. A. whoseCorrect
  2. B. , whose
  3. C. , whose,
  4. D. whose,

Answer: A. whose

'whose forms arrive after the deadline' identifies WHICH applicants — it is essential, so it takes no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , whose
A comma would make the clause an aside, implying that ALL applicants' forms arrive late.
C. , whose,
Two commas strand 'whose' and separate it from 'forms'.
D. whose,
A comma after 'whose' separates it from the noun it modifies.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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