Standard English ConventionsHardCommas around a nonessential participial phrase
Standard English Conventions practice question
The ____ built to celebrate the canal's opening, has not been lit since 1970.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. fountain,Correct
- B. fountain
- C. fountain;
- D. fountain:
Answer: A. fountain,
'Built to celebrate the canal's opening' is nonessential and closes with a comma, so it opens with one.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. fountain
- The closing comma has no opening partner.
- C. fountain;
- A semicolon can't open a nonessential phrase.
- D. fountain:
- A colon can't open one either.
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