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

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ whose family has farmed the valley for two centuries, spoke against the dam.

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

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

Answer: A. farmer,

'Whose family has farmed the valley' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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