16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardNo comma between a verb and 'because'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The match was ____ because the pitch was flooded.

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

  1. A. postponedCorrect
  2. B. postponed,
  3. C. postponed;
  4. D. postponed:

Answer: A. postponed

An essential 'because' clause follows the verb without punctuation.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. postponed,
A comma separates the reason from what it explains.
C. postponed;
A semicolon needs an independent clause after it.
D. postponed:
A colon does not introduce a 'because' clause.

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