16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas around a nonessential participial phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ carved in 1610 for the guild's chapel, is now in the town museum.

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

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

Answer: A. screen,

'Carved in 1610 for the guild's chapel' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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