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Question

Difficulty: EasyCommas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

In 1967, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell detected a series of highly regular radio pulses while analyzing data from a newly constructed telescope. These strange signals, which were initially nicknamed 'Little Green Men' turned out to be the first evidence of rotating neutron stars. Today, these stars, known as pulsars, help astronomers map the structure of our galaxy.

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

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. signals, which were initially nicknamed 'Little Green Men,' turnedAnswer
  3. C
    signals; which were initially nicknamed 'Little Green Men,' turned
  4. D
    signals, that were initially nicknamed 'Little Green Men,' turned

Answer

The correct option is the one that places a comma both before and after the nonessential relative clause, resulting in: 'signals, which were initially nicknamed 'Little Green Men,' turned'
The clause 'which were initially nicknamed 'Little Green Men'' is a nonessential relative clause because the sentence remains grammatically complete and retains its core meaning without it. Nonessential elements must be set off by a pair of commas. Placing a comma after 'signals' and another after 'Men' correctly encloses the parenthetical information.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause following the noun 'signals'.
The clause 'which were initially nicknamed 'Little Green Men'' is a nonessential relative clause because it provides extra background information and is not necessary to identify which signals are being discussed.
Nonessential elements must be set off from the rest of the sentence with punctuation on both sides.
2
Determine the correct punctuation to enclose the nonessential clause.
Commas are the appropriate punctuation to set off this nonessential clause. A comma must be placed both before the clause (after 'signals') and after the clause (after 'Men').
Omitting either comma or using incorrect punctuation like a semicolon creates grammatical errors.

Key Concept

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

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