The candidate _______ I interviewed yesterday _______ has all the qualifications we need.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
, whom I interviewed yesterday,
whom I interviewed yesterday
—whom I interviewed yesterday—
, who I interviewed yesterday
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. This question tests distinguishing essential from nonessential clauses.
- Context clues: The clause identifies WHICH candidate—essential information.
- Meaning: Essential (restrictive) clauses are NOT set off by commas.
- Verify: "The candidate whom I interviewed yesterday has all..." specifies which candidate.
💡 Strategy: If removing the clause changes which person/thing we're discussing, it's essential (no commas).
Choice A is incorrect because commas make the clause nonessential, changing the meaning. Choice C is incorrect because dashes also set it off as nonessential. Choice D is incorrect because "who" should be "whom" (object of "interviewed") and commas are wrong.