16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumSemicolon before 'therefore'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The trail was closed for repairs ____ took the longer route around the lake.

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

  1. A. repairs; therefore, weCorrect
  2. B. repairs, therefore, we
  3. C. repairs therefore we
  4. D. repairs, therefore we

Answer: A. repairs; therefore, we

'Therefore' is a transition word, not a conjunction, so it can't join two complete sentences on its own. The boundary takes a semicolon, and 'therefore' is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. repairs, therefore, we
A comma before 'therefore' leaves two complete sentences joined by a comma — a splice.
C. repairs therefore we
Nothing marks the boundary between the two complete sentences.
D. repairs, therefore we
Still a comma splice; 'therefore' doesn't have the joining power of 'so'.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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