Match Wits With Our Word Wizards

(Text-only version of Word Wizards)

In each sentence, select the best punctuation (comma or
no comma) and best relative pronoun
(that or which). (If the phrase is in the middle of
the sentence, (,) indicates where an ending comma would go, if used.)
For example, in the first sentence, "comma" and
"which" are the correct answers. The phrase "which can be
back calculated . . ." is nonrestrictive, so it is introduced
with "which" and is set off by commas:
- Here, R represents the transverse reaction
comma/no
comma/which/that
can be back calculated at simply supported boundaries. (Assume that
there is only one transverse reaction.)
- Our goal was to identify hardware and power requirements
comma/no
comma/which/that
would have to be addressed in an operational system.
- Thin-film strain gauges comma/no
comma/which/that
do not alter flow patterns across a test structure(,) can give much
more accurate results. (Assume that thin-film gauges never alter
flow patterns.)
- One of the disadvantages of ion implantation technology is that
the depth of penetration is very shallow compared with that of
conventional coatings comma/no
comma/which/that
may limit tribological applications. (It is the shallow
penetration depth that can limit applicability.
- As a part of this effort, we identified factors
comma/no
comma/which/that
cause instability.
- This facility comma/no
comma/which/that
has an impressive 100-dB dynamic range(,) can characterize antennas
from 2 to 36 GHz.
- A video imaging system can be added for viewing particles
comma/no
comma/which/that
are larger than few microns.
- The device is integrated with special test equipment
comma/no
comma/which/that
simulates link degradations expected in an operational system.
- One of the factors affecting our budget is that much of the
software comma/no
comma/which/that
was installed on our new Macs(,) will have to be upgraded soon.
For an explanation of which and that
see Quirks of English.
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Last updated: 1/20/2009