16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas around an appositive

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ a retired trawler skipper, now runs the harbour's sailing school.

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

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

Answer: A. instructor,

'A retired trawler skipper' is a nonessential appositive closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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