16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardCommas around a nonrestrictive phrase naming a place

Standard English Conventions practice question

The ferry to the ____ leaves from the old harbour.

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

  1. A. island, a two-hour crossing,Correct
  2. B. island, a two-hour crossing
  3. C. island a two-hour crossing,
  4. D. island; a two-hour crossing,

Answer: A. island, a two-hour crossing,

The appositive "a two-hour crossing" is set off by a pair of commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. island, a two-hour crossing
The second comma is missing.
C. island a two-hour crossing,
The first comma is missing.
D. island; a two-hour crossing,
A semicolon cannot open an appositive.

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