16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardNo comma before an essential 'that' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The bench ____ stands nearest the waiting room is the one she sleeps on.

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

  1. A. thatCorrect
  2. B. , that
  3. C. that,
  4. D. ; that

Answer: A. that

'That stands nearest the waiting room' identifies the bench: no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , that
A comma before an essential clause.
C. that,
A comma after 'that' cuts it from its verb.
D. ; that
A semicolon can't introduce a relative clause.

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