16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardRestrictive phrase without commas

Standard English Conventions practice question

The candidates ____ will be interviewed next week.

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

  1. A. shortlisted by the panelCorrect
  2. B. , shortlisted by the panel,
  3. C. shortlisted by the panel,
  4. D. , shortlisted by the panel

Answer: A. shortlisted by the panel

The phrase identifies which candidates, so it is restrictive and takes no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , shortlisted by the panel,
Commas would make it a comment about all the candidates.
C. shortlisted by the panel,
A lone comma cuts the subject from its verb.
D. , shortlisted by the panel
Opened but not closed.

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