Standard English ConventionsMediumNonessential appositive set off by commas
Standard English Conventions practice question
The observatory's oldest ____ a brass refractor built in 1861, is still used on open nights.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. instrument,Correct
- B. instrument
- C. instrument;
- D. instrument—
Answer: A. instrument,
'A brass refractor built in 1861' is a nonessential appositive; the comma after it is given, so a matching comma must open it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. instrument
- Without an opening comma, the appositive has a closing comma but no opening one.
- C. instrument;
- A semicolon can't open an appositive.
- D. instrument—
- A dash would need a matching dash, not the comma that follows.
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