16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardColon before an explanation

Standard English Conventions practice question

The mechanic found the ____ a mouse had chewed through the wire to the fuel pump.

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

  1. A. problem:Correct
  2. B. problem,
  3. C. problem
  4. D. problem, and

Answer: A. problem:

A complete clause followed by the explanation takes a colon.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. problem,
A comma splice.
C. problem
A run-on.
D. problem, and
'And' joins the clauses but loses the explanatory link and adds nothing the colon does not.

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