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Difficulty: HardCommas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

The following passage contains an underlined portion.

In the mid-nineteenth century, the visionary mathematician Ada Lovelace collaborated with inventor Charles Babbage on his mechanical calculator, the Analytical Engine. Lovelace recognized that the machine had applications beyond mere calculation, translating an article on the engine and appending her own extensive commentary. Her detailed notes, which researchers now consider the first computer program described how the machine could compute a sequence of complex numbers.

Which of the following choices represents the correct punctuation for the underlined portion?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    notes; which researchers now consider the first computer program, described
  3. notes, which researchers now consider the first computer program, describedAnswer
  4. D
    notes, that researchers now consider the first computer program, described

Answer

The correct choice is the option that sets off the nonessential clause with a pair of commas: 'notes, which researchers now consider the first computer program, described'.
The correct choice sets off the nonessential relative clause ('which researchers now consider the first computer program') with a pair of commas. Since this clause provides descriptive information that is not essential to identifying the noun 'notes,' it must be enclosed in commas to separate it from the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify whether the underlined relative clause is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive) to the meaning of the sentence.
The clause 'which researchers now consider the first computer program' is nonessential because the noun it modifies, 'notes,' is already identified by the possessive adjective 'Her detailed.' Removing the clause does not change the core meaning of the sentence.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence using commas, dashes, or parentheses.
2
Evaluate the punctuation choices to find the one that correctly encloses the nonessential clause with a matching pair of punctuation marks.
The correct punctuation requires a comma both before the clause (after 'notes') and after the clause (after 'program').
This maintains grammatical sentence structure and prevents dangling commas, fragments, or improper separation of the subject 'notes' from its verb 'described'.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

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