Extra info needs commas on both sides: the SAT reading & writing trap
Short answer: Delete the extra info. Sentence still works? Then it needs a matching comma on each side.
The trap, in one question
My aunt, a nurse in Ohio___ runs marathons.
Tempting answer: Ohio runs
Correct answer: Ohio, runs
How to spot it in 3 seconds
Delete the extra info. Sentence still works? Then it needs a matching comma on each side.
FAQ
What is the extra info needs commas on both sides trap on the SAT?
Example: My aunt, a nurse in Ohio___ runs marathons. The tempting answer is Ohio runs; the correct answer is Ohio, runs.
How do you avoid the extra info needs commas on both sides trap?
Delete the extra info. Sentence still works? Then it needs a matching comma on each side.
More Reading & Writing traps
RW1Semicolon = two full sentencesRW2Colon needs a full sentence before itRW3Comma spliceRW4Dashes come in matching pairs
← Dashes come in matching pairs · Its vs. it's →
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