Question 189·Hard·Boundaries
Much to the surprise of linguists, the newly discovered manuscript contains both Classical Latin prose and early Romance vernacular _____ are intermingled in a way that sheds light on the transition between the two languages.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundaries questions, first determine whether the words after the punctuation form an independent clause. If the next part begins with a relative pronoun like “which,” it’s typically a dependent clause that should be attached with a comma (when nonessential). Eliminate semicolons and periods unless both sides can stand alone as complete sentences.
Hints
Look for the word after the blank
Does the next word start a relative clause (like “which”)? If so, that clause usually can’t stand alone.
Check what a semicolon requires
A semicolon must have a full sentence (independent clause) on both sides. Is “which are intermingled…” a full sentence?
Check what a period requires
If you put a period, would the words after it be a complete sentence, or a fragment?
Match punctuation to structure
If the second part is a dependent “which” clause adding extra information, the standard choice is typically a comma.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify what comes after the blank
After the blank, the text begins with “which are intermingled in a way….” A clause that begins with which is a relative clause and is dependent (it cannot stand alone as a sentence).
Decide what punctuation can precede a dependent “which” clause
A nonessential (additional) relative clause beginning with “which” is typically introduced with a comma.
By contrast:
- A semicolon must be followed by an independent clause.
- A period must be followed by a complete sentence.
- A colon follows a complete clause and introduces an explanation/list; it is not used to attach a “which” relative clause.
Test the choices
- “passages, which” makes a correct sentence: the comma introduces the nonessential “which” clause.
- “passages; which” is incorrect because “which are intermingled…” is not an independent clause.
- “passages: which” is incorrect because a colon is not used to introduce a relative clause beginning with “which.”
- “passages. Which” is incorrect because “Which are intermingled…” is a fragment.
Therefore, the correct answer is “passages, which.”