16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComma pair around a nonessential name

Standard English Conventions practice question

Only one author is appearing at the festival this year. The author ____ will sign copies after her reading.

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

  1. A. , Nadia Sule,Correct
  2. B. Nadia Sule
  3. C. , Nadia Sule
  4. D. Nadia Sule,

Answer: A. , Nadia Sule,

The first sentence establishes there is only one author, so her name adds information rather than identifying her. A nonessential name is set off by commas on both sides.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Nadia Sule
Without commas, the name reads as essential — as if picking one author out of several.
C. , Nadia Sule
Only the opening comma; the name must be closed off before 'will'.
D. Nadia Sule,
Only the closing comma; the name must be opened after 'author'.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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