16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumSemicolon before a conjunctive 'then'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The trail climbs steeply for two ____ then it levels out along the ridge.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. miles;Correct
  2. B. miles,
  3. C. miles
  4. D. miles:

Answer: A. miles;

Two independent clauses joined by 'then' need a semicolon.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. miles,
A comma splice.
C. miles
A run-on.
D. miles:
A colon does not join a clause introduced by 'then'.

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