16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardColon introducing a quotation after a full clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The note on the fridge was ____ 'Back at six. Feed the cat.'

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

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

Answer: A. short:

A complete clause introducing the quoted note takes a colon.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. short;
A semicolon needs a clause after it.
C. short
No boundary before the quotation.
D. short, and
'And' cannot join a clause to a quotation this way.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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