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Difficulty: EasyCommas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

The Hubble Space Telescope , which was launched into orbit in 1990, has provided stunning images of deep space. Operating high above Earth's atmosphere, the telescope avoids the distorting effects of dust and gas. These clear views have helped scientists calculate the age of our universe.

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

  1. NO CHANGEAnswer
  2. B
    , which was launched into orbit in 1990
  3. C
    ; which was launched into orbit in 1990,
  4. D
    , that was launched into orbit in 1990,

Answer

The option containing the relative clause 'which was launched into orbit in 1990' set off by a comma on both sides is correct.
The clause 'which was launched into orbit in 1990' is nonessential because it provides extra detail about 'The Hubble Space Telescope' without changing the core meaning of the sentence. Therefore, it must be enclosed by commas on both sides, which is correctly done in the original phrasing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine if the underlined clause is essential or nonessential to the meaning of the sentence.
The clause is nonessential because the specific subject 'The Hubble Space Telescope' is already named.
Nonessential information must be set off with punctuation, whereas essential information should not be set off.
2
Identify the correct punctuation pattern to set off the nonessential clause.
A pair of commas (one before 'which' and one after '1990') correctly encloses the nonessential clause.
This avoids fragment errors from semicolons and keeps parenthetical punctuation complete.

Key Concept

Nonessential clauses must be enclosed by a pair of commas, whereas restrictive clauses must not have commas.
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Topics

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

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