16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas around a nonessential participial phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ built in 1911 for the mill's workers, are now the most sought-after houses in the town.

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

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

Answer: A. terraces,

'Built in 1911 for the mill's workers' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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