16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardDash closing an interruption before the verb

Standard English Conventions practice question

The three prizes — a cup, a medal, and a ____ are displayed in the clubhouse.

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

  1. A. certificate —Correct
  2. B. certificate,
  3. C. certificate;
  4. D. certificate

Answer: A. certificate —

The interruption opened with a dash must close with a dash.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. certificate,
A comma can't close what a dash opened.
C. certificate;
A semicolon can't close an interruption.
D. certificate
With no closing mark, the interruption swallows the verb.

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