Before the concert began, the classical guitarist polished the <u>antique, wooden instrume… — ACT

Before the concert began, the classical guitarist polished the antique, wooden instrument, tightened the tuning pegs and adjusted the music stand.

Which choice is the best version of the underlined portion?

A
antique, wooden instrument, tightened the tuning pegs
antique wooden instrument, tightened the tuning pegs,Answer
C
antique, wooden, instrument, tightened the tuning pegs
D
antique wooden instrument; tightened the tuning pegs

Answer

The correct option is the one that removes the comma between the cumulative adjectives 'antique' and 'wooden' and adds a comma after 'tuning pegs' to properly separate the list items.

The correct choice removes the comma between the cumulative adjectives 'antique' and 'wooden' because they must not be separated. It also adds a comma after 'tuning pegs' to complete the punctuation of a three-item list before the coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

Determine if a comma is needed between the adjectives 'antique' and 'wooden'.

These are cumulative adjectives because they cannot be reversed ('wooden antique') or joined by 'and' ('antique and wooden') without sounding unnatural. Therefore, no comma should separate them.

To apply the rules for coordinate versus cumulative adjectives.

Identify the items in the list.

The sentence contains three parallel actions: 'polished the instrument', 'tightened the tuning pegs', and 'adjusted the music stand'.

To establish the boundary of each item in the series.

Apply correct comma rules to separate the list items.

Commas are required after the first item ('instrument') and after the second item ('pegs') before the coordinating conjunction 'and'.

To ensure correct list punctuation and standard use of the serial comma.

Key Concept

Punctuation of cumulative adjectives and simple lists

Estimated Time:45s

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