16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumComma before 'and' joining two full clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

The tide was going ____ and the boats were settling into the mud.

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

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

Answer: A. out,

A comma precedes 'and' between two independent clauses.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. out
No comma before the conjunction.
C. out;
A semicolon is not used before 'and' here.
D. out, and,
A stray comma after 'and'.

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