16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardColon before a list after a complete clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The workshop needs three things before it can ____ a new roof, a rewired fuse box, and a fire door.

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

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

Answer: A. reopen:

A complete clause followed by the list takes a colon.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. reopen;
A semicolon needs a clause after it.
C. reopen,
A comma runs the list into the clause.
D. reopen
No boundary.

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