16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma before 'but' in a short sentence

Standard English Conventions practice question

I called ____ but nobody answered.

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

  1. A. twice,Correct
  2. B. twice
  3. C. twice;
  4. D. twice, but,

Answer: A. twice,

A comma precedes 'but' joining two clauses.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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