Standard English ConventionsHardEssential 'that' clause takes no commas
Standard English Conventions practice question
The results ____ published last month.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. results that the second team obtained wereCorrect
- B. results, that the second team obtained, were
- C. results that the second team obtained, were
- D. results, that the second team obtained were
Answer: A. results that the second team obtained were
'that the second team obtained' tells us WHICH results — it's essential, and clauses beginning with 'that' are never set off by commas.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. results, that the second team obtained, were
- Commas around a 'that' clause are always wrong; 'that' introduces essential information.
- C. results that the second team obtained, were
- A single comma after the clause separates the subject from its verb 'were'.
- D. results, that the second team obtained were
- A single comma before the clause has no partner and no purpose.
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