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

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ who has run the shop for thirty years, is retiring in March.

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

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

Answer: A. owner,

'Who has run the shop for thirty years' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. owner
The clause is closed but not opened.
C. owner;
A semicolon can't open a 'who' clause.
D. owner—
A dash would need a matching dash.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.