16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumComma pair around a 'which' clause after a unique name

Standard English Conventions practice question

The Eiffel Tower ____ was completed in 1889 for a world's fair.

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

  1. A. , which stands beside the Seine,Correct
  2. B. which stands beside the Seine
  3. C. , which stands beside the Seine
  4. D. which stands beside the Seine,

Answer: A. , which stands beside the Seine,

There is only one Eiffel Tower, so the clause can only add information; a nonessential clause takes a comma on each side.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. which stands beside the Seine
Without commas the clause reads as essential, as if picking out one Eiffel Tower among several.
C. , which stands beside the Seine
Only the opening comma; the clause must be closed before 'was'.
D. which stands beside the Seine,
Only the closing comma; the clause must be opened after 'Tower'.

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