16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardCommas around a nonessential relative clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ which was planted to mark the coronation, is the only one that never fruits.

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

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

Answer: A. tallest tree,

The 'which' clause is nonessential and is closed by a comma, so it opens with one.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. tallest tree
Closed but not opened.
C. tallest tree;
A semicolon can't open a clause that a comma closes.
D. tallest tree —
A dash can't pair with the closing comma.

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