16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumComma after a long dependent opener

Standard English Conventions practice question

Because the ferry had been cancelled for the second day ____ the islanders ran short of bread.

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

  1. A. running,Correct
  2. B. running;
  3. C. running
  4. D. running—and

Answer: A. running,

A dependent clause opening the sentence is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. running;
A semicolon needs an independent clause before it.
C. running
No boundary after the opener.
D. running—and
'And' after a dash leaves the main clause hanging.

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