…The key that was hidden on the premises — is it the one you used to get in that night?
“The key that was hidden on the premises” is the start of a sentence that never gets finished. Then the person comes back and uses a complete sentence with a reference to “key” with the word “it.” There is nothing for that first part — “The key that was hidden on the premises” — to be or to do in the complete question.
At best, it might be an appositive, but if it is, it is away out of place. An appositive that “precedes” what it renames takes a dash. A sentence that gets started and does not get finished takes a dash.
There has always been a lot of push-back for the dash here. This is my response: If you want a comma, state the rule that covers it. There just isn’t a comma rule that works here.
Happy punctuating!
Margie
Comments 4
I would argue that “that was hidden on the premises” is an adjective clause that modifies “key.” If that is correct, then the above example would be a situation where the antecedent leads a question. Would that not require a comma instead?
Remove the clause and consider:
The key, is it the one you used to get in that night?
Author
Hi, Mike.
Yes, it is definitely an adjective clause that modifies “key.” The question is what the word “key” is. I believe it is an appositive to the word “it.” And since it is out in front of the word it renames, there is a dash, not a comma.
Margie
I’ve been struggling with this one. Thanks! This helps.
Author
Always happy to help, Cindy.
Hugs.
Margie