Match Wits With Our Word Wizards

(Illustrated 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.