16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardRestrictive clause identifying the bridge

Standard English Conventions practice question

The only bridge ____ was washed away in the storm of 1953.

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

  1. A. that connected the island to the mainlandCorrect
  2. B. , that connected the island to the mainland,
  3. C. that connected the island to the mainland,
  4. D. , which connected the island to the mainland

Answer: A. that connected the island to the mainland

The clause tells us which bridge, so it is restrictive and takes no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , that connected the island to the mainland,
"that" clauses do not take commas.
C. that connected the island to the mainland,
A lone comma cuts the subject from its verb.
D. , which connected the island to the mainland
Opened by a comma but not closed, and "which" would make the clause nonessential.

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