Which sentence is written correctly?
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A
Having finished the exam early Rudy checked it over for errors.
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B
Having finished the exam early Rudy checked, it over for errors.
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C
Having finished the exam early, Rudy checked it over for errors.
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D
Having finished, the exam early, Rudy checked it over for errors.
Sentence “Having finished the exam early, Rudy checked it over for errors.” is written correctly because it properly places a comma after the introductory participial phrase "Having finished the exam early" before the main clause begins.
A) Having finished the exam early Rudy checked it over for errors.
Missing the required comma after the introductory participial phrase creates a fused sentence that impedes readability. Standard grammar mandates comma separation between introductory phrases exceeding three words and the independent clause that follows.
B) Having finished the exam early Rudy checked, it over for errors.
Creates two errors: missing comma after the introductory phrase AND incorrectly inserting a comma between the verb "checked" and its direct object "it." This comma splice fragments the verb-object relationship essential to sentence coherence.
C) Having finished the exam early, Rudy checked it over for errors.
Correctly applies comma rules for introductory participial phrases. The comma after "early" creates proper syntactic separation while maintaining the logical connection between finishing the exam and checking it—ensuring Rudy (not the exam) performed both actions.
D) Having finished, the exam early, Rudy checked it over for errors.
Unnecessarily fragments the participial phrase "having finished the exam" with misplaced commas. "The exam early" becomes an illogical noun phrase, and the interruption destroys the grammatical integrity of the introductory modifier.
Conclusion
Introductory participial phrases require single commas separating them from main clauses—without fragmenting the phrases themselves or disrupting verb-object relationships. Only option C achieves this precision, creating clear syntactic boundaries while preserving logical modifier attachment to the subject "Rudy."