16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComma before a trailing participial phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

The choir sang the final ____ by the whole audience.

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

  1. A. hymn, joinedCorrect
  2. B. hymn joined
  3. C. hymn; joined
  4. D. hymn. Joined

Answer: A. hymn, joined

The participial phrase "joined by the whole audience" is set off by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. hymn joined
Without the comma it reads as if the hymn were joined.
C. hymn; joined
A semicolon needs a complete sentence after it.
D. hymn. Joined
"Joined by the whole audience" is a fragment.

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