16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardEssential participial phrase takes no commas

Standard English Conventions practice question

Students ____ will receive a certificate at the end of the course.

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

  1. A. completing all six modulesCorrect
  2. B. , completing all six modules,
  3. C. , completing all six modules
  4. D. completing all six modules,

Answer: A. completing all six modules

'completing all six modules' identifies WHICH students get a certificate — it is essential, so it takes no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , completing all six modules,
Commas would make the phrase an aside, implying that ALL students will receive a certificate.
C. , completing all six modules
A lone comma before the phrase has no partner.
D. completing all six modules,
A lone comma after the phrase separates the subject from its verb.

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