16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumComma after an introductory 'when' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the last guest had ____ the caretaker locked the hall.

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

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

Answer: A. gone,

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

Why the other answers are wrong

B. gone;
A semicolon needs an independent clause before it.
C. gone
No boundary after the opener.
D. gone, and
'And' has nothing to join.

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