16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas around a nonessential 'which' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ferry's older ____ which was built in 1962, will be retired at the end of the summer.

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

  1. A. vessel,Correct
  2. B. vessel
  3. C. vessel;
  4. D. vessel—

Answer: A. vessel,

'Which was built in 1962' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it must open with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. vessel
Without an opening comma, the clause is closed but never opened.
C. vessel;
A semicolon can't open a 'which' clause.
D. vessel—
A dash would need a matching dash, not the comma that follows.

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