16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardNo comma before an essential 'who' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The two divers ____ found the wreck have been asked to lead the survey.

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

  1. A. whoCorrect
  2. B. , who
  3. C. who,
  4. D. ; who

Answer: A. who

'Who found the wreck' identifies which divers, so no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , who
A comma would make the clause nonessential.
C. who,
A comma after 'who' cuts it from its verb.
D. ; who
A semicolon can't introduce a relative clause.

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