16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumCommas around a nonrestrictive 'which' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ____ which were laid in 1890, still drain the lower field.

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

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

Answer: A. clay pipes,

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

Why the other answers are wrong

B. clay pipes
Closed but not opened.
C. clay pipes;
A semicolon can't open the clause.
D. clay pipes —
A dash can't pair with the closing comma.

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