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

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ who has swept the chimney every autumn for thirty years, says this one is the tallest in the town.

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

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

Answer: A. sweep,

'Who has swept the chimney every autumn for thirty years' is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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