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

Standard English Conventions practice question

The engineer ____ retired at the end of last year.

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

  1. A. whom the council hired in 1990Correct
  2. B. , whom the council hired in 1990,
  3. C. , whom the council hired in 1990
  4. D. whom the council hired in 1990,

Answer: A. whom the council hired in 1990

'The engineer' alone doesn't identify her; 'whom the council hired in 1990' does. An essential clause takes no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , whom the council hired in 1990,
Commas would make the clause an aside, as if 'the engineer' were already identified.
C. , whom the council hired in 1990
A lone comma before the clause has no partner.
D. whom the council hired in 1990,
A lone comma after the clause separates the subject from its verb 'retired'.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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