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Difficulty: EasyCommas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

Many artists spend decades perfecting their techniques in relative obscurity. The painter who created the famous mural spent years studying color theory. Today, this artwork attracts thousands of visitors to the city gallery.

Which option represents the correct punctuation for the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. NO CHANGEAnswer
  2. B
    painter, who created the famous mural,
  3. C
    painter, who created the famous mural
  4. D
    painter; who created the famous mural

Answer

NO CHANGE
The relative clause 'who created the famous mural' is restrictive (essential) because it defines which specific painter spent years studying color theory. Essential clauses should not be separated from their referent or the rest of the sentence by commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined relative clause to determine if it is essential (restrictive) or nonessential (nonrestrictive) to the meaning of the sentence.
The clause 'who created the famous mural' is essential because it specifies which particular painter is being discussed.
Identifying the clause type is necessary to determine the correct punctuation rules.
2
Apply punctuation rules for essential clauses.
Essential clauses must not be set off by punctuation, meaning no commas or semicolons should separate 'painter' from the clause or the clause from the verb 'spent'.
Punctuation around essential elements mistakenly signals that the information is parenthetical and can be omitted.

Key Concept

Commas with Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Elements
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Topics

Commas with Nonessential and Parenthetical Elements

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