16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComma pair around 'in fact'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The bridge ____ was never finished; the money ran out in 1932.

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

  1. A. , in fact,Correct
  2. B. in fact
  3. C. , in fact
  4. D. in fact,

Answer: A. , in fact,

'in fact' interrupts the clause between the subject and its verb; an interrupter takes a comma on each side.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. in fact
Without commas, the interrupter runs into the subject and the verb.
C. , in fact
Only the opening comma; the interrupter must be closed before 'was'.
D. in fact,
Only the closing comma; the interrupter must be opened after 'bridge'.

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