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

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ who has kept the light for forty years, will retire when the station is automated.

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

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

Answer: A. keeper,

'Who has kept the light for forty years' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

More Standard English Conventions questions

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