16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardColon introducing an explanation of a result

Standard English Conventions practice question

The experiment ____ the seeds had been stored in a damp cupboard and none of them sprouted.

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

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

Answer: A. failed:

A complete clause followed by its explanation takes a colon.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. failed,
A comma splice.
C. failed
A run-on.
D. failed; because
'Because' after a semicolon leaves a fragment.

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