16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardNo comma before an essential 'that' clause after a noun

Standard English Conventions practice question

The map ____ the walkers had bought at the station showed a path that no longer existed.

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 the walkers had bought at the station' identifies the map; no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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