16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardNo comma before a restrictive 'that' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The only shop ____ sells camping gas is at the far end of the high street.

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

  1. A. thatCorrect
  2. B. , that
  3. C. that,
  4. D. ; that

Answer: A. that

'That sells camping gas' identifies the shop, so no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , that
A comma before an essential 'that' clause is wrong.
C. that,
A comma after 'that' cuts it from its verb.
D. ; that
A semicolon can't introduce a relative clause.

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