16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardDash pair around an interruption with a comma

Standard English Conventions practice question

The two oldest boats — the Grace, built in 1911, and the ____ are still rowed in the regatta.

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

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

Answer: A. Marian —

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

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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