16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardSemicolons in a list whose items contain commas and 'which' clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

The trust owns three properties: the mill, which is let to a baker; the ____ and the chapel, which is closed.

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

  1. A. cottage, which is empty;Correct
  2. B. cottage, which is empty,
  3. C. cottage which is empty;
  4. D. cottage; which is empty,

Answer: A. cottage, which is empty;

Items containing commas are separated by semicolons; the nonrestrictive 'which' clause inside each item still takes its comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. cottage, which is empty,
A comma after 'empty' leaves the items indistinguishable from the clauses inside them.
C. cottage which is empty;
The nonrestrictive 'which' clause needs a comma before it.
D. cottage; which is empty,
A semicolon inside the item cuts the clause from its noun.

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