16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardClosing a which clause about an orchard

Standard English Conventions practice question

The orchard, ____ was sold at auction last spring.

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

  1. A. which my grandfather planted in 1950,Correct
  2. B. which my grandfather planted in 1950
  3. C. that my grandfather planted in 1950,
  4. D. which my grandfather planted in 1950;

Answer: A. which my grandfather planted in 1950,

The nonessential clause is opened by a comma and must be closed by one before the verb.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. which my grandfather planted in 1950
Never closed.
C. that my grandfather planted in 1950,
"that" clauses do not take commas, and the opening comma is already there.
D. which my grandfather planted in 1950;
A semicolon leaves fragments.

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