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Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas around a nonessential phrase with 'including'

Standard English Conventions practice question

Several ____ including the tallest in the county, were felled by the storm.

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

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

Answer: A. beeches,

'Including the tallest in the county' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. beeches
The phrase is closed but not opened.
C. beeches;
A semicolon can't open a phrase.
D. beeches:
Nor can a colon.

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