16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardNo comma before a restrictive that clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The only argument ____ was the one about cost.

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

  1. A. that persuaded the boardCorrect
  2. B. , that persuaded the board,
  3. C. that persuaded the board,
  4. D. , which persuaded the board

Answer: A. that persuaded the board

The clause tells which argument is meant, so it takes no commas.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , that persuaded the board,
"that" clauses are not set off by commas.
C. that persuaded the board,
A lone comma cuts the subject from its verb.
D. , which persuaded the board
Opened but not closed, and "which" would make the clause nonessential.

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