16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardClosing a to whom clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The archivist, ____ retired last year.

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

  1. A. to whom the letters were first shown,Correct
  2. B. to whom the letters were first shown
  3. C. who the letters were first shown to;
  4. D. to whom the letters were first shown, she

Answer: A. to whom the letters were first shown,

The nonessential clause is closed by a comma before the verb "retired".

Why the other answers are wrong

B. to whom the letters were first shown
Never closed.
C. who the letters were first shown to;
A semicolon leaves a fragment, and the case is wrong.
D. to whom the letters were first shown, she
"she" doubles the subject.

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