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Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas with a nonessential clause in the middle of a sentence

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ferry ____ which runs only in summer, carries about 200 passengers a day.

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

  1. A. service,Correct
  2. B. service
  3. C. service;
  4. D. service:

Answer: A. service,

'Which runs only in summer' is nonessential and needs a comma on each side.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. service
The clause is closed by a comma but not opened by one.
C. service;
A semicolon can't open a nonessential clause.
D. service:
A colon can't either.

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