The company's CEO announced the merger _______ the most significant in the industry's history _______ at yesterday's press conference.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
, the most significant in the industry's history,
the most significant in the industry's history
—the most significant in the industry's history—
—the most significant in the industry's history,
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for emphatic parenthetical information.
- Context clues: The phrase emphasizes the significance of the merger.
- Meaning: Dashes set off emphatic asides and must be used in pairs.
- Verify: "The company's CEO announced the merger—the most significant in the industry's history—at yesterday's press conference" gives proper emphasis.
💡 Strategy: Use paired dashes for emphatic parenthetical information mid-sentence.
Choice A is incorrect because commas work but provide less emphasis. Choice B is incorrect because punctuation is needed. Choice C is correct. Choice D is incorrect because dashes must be paired.