16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardNo colon after a verb

Standard English Conventions practice question

The recipe ____ flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.

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

  1. A. requiresCorrect
  2. B. requires:
  3. C. requires;
  4. D. requires,

Answer: A. requires

A verb runs straight into its object; a colon needs a complete clause before it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. requires:
'The recipe requires' is not a complete clause.
C. requires;
A semicolon separates clauses.
D. requires,
A comma separates a verb from its object.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.