In Los Angeles County, California, bicycle paths like the Rio Hondo bicycle path—which is about 15.6 miles long—have become an increasingly popular means of travel for commuter and recreational trips alike. Moreover, Ernesto _______ has identified bike travel as one possible way to alleviate vehicle congestion, citing the bike friendliness of the area’s temperate climate and mostly flat roads.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Explanation
Context: "Moreover, Ernesto Hernandez-Lopez, a lawyer and cycling advocate, has identified bike travel as one possible way to alleviate vehicle congestion..." "A lawyer and cycling advocate" is a non-essential appositive describing Hernandez-Lopez — it needs commas on both sides.
Answer: B) Hernandez-Lopez, a lawyer and cycling advocate,
Why? "A lawyer and cycling advocate" is a non-essential appositive that adds information about Hernandez-Lopez. Non-essential appositives require commas on both sides.
Traps:
- A) "Hernandez-Lopez a lawyer and cycling advocate" → missing both commas around the non-essential appositive
- C) "Hernandez-Lopez a lawyer and cycling advocate," → missing opening comma before the appositive
- D) "Hernandez-Lopez, a lawyer and cycling advocate" → opens with comma but doesn't close