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Difficulty: Very hardCommas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

In the early twentieth century, German mathematician Emmy Noether proved a theorem that fundamentally linked symmetry and conservation laws. Although her work laid the cornerstone for modern theoretical physics, she initially faced immense institutional barriers due to her gender. The university administration that governed Göttingen, which refused to grant her a formal faculty position allowed her to lecture only under David Hilbert's name.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence to conform to the conventions of standard written English?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    , that governed Göttingen, which refused to grant her a formal faculty position, allowed
  3. that governed Göttingen, which refused to grant her a formal faculty position, allowedAnswer
  4. D
    that governed Göttingen; which refused to grant her a formal faculty position, allowed

Answer

that governed Göttingen, which refused to grant her a formal faculty position, allowed
The correct option correctly leaves the restrictive clause 'that governed Göttingen' without surrounding commas, and properly encloses the nonessential clause 'which refused to grant her a formal faculty position' with a pair of commas (one before 'which' and one after 'position').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relative clauses in the sentence.
The sentence contains two relative clauses: 'that governed Göttingen' and 'which refused to grant her a formal faculty position'.
Understanding the function of each clause is necessary to determine the correct punctuation.
2
Evaluate the clause 'that governed Göttingen'.
This clause is restrictive (essential) because it identifies which specific university administration is being discussed.
Restrictive clauses must not be set off by commas.
3
Evaluate the clause 'which refused to grant her a formal faculty position'.
This clause is nonrestrictive (nonessential) because it provides additional, non-defining information about the administration.
Nonessential clauses must be enclosed by a pair of commas.
4
Check the punctuation before the main verb 'allowed'.
A comma is required after 'position' to close the nonessential clause, and no commas should surround 'that governed Göttingen'. Semicolons must be avoided as they create fragments when setting off dependent clauses.
This ensures the sentence is grammatically correct and coherent.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between restrictive (essential) and nonrestrictive (nonessential) clauses to apply correct punctuation.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

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