Question #N1099
The most common type of punctuation in English writing, the comma, is frequently used to separate items in a series. But when a series contains three or more items, the comma ______ the last item from the first item in the series, not the first item from the last item.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. separates
B. separate
C. is separating
D. separated
Correct Answer is: A
The most common type of punctuation in English writing, the comma, is frequently used to separate items in a series. But when a series contains three or more items, the comma separates the last item from the first item in the series, not the first item from the last item. In this case, the verb 'separates' is the correct answer. The verb should be in the third person singular form because it refers to 'the comma,' which is singular.