16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumComma after a subordinate clause with 'if'

Standard English Conventions practice question

If the river rises another ____ the road to the mill will close.

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

  1. A. metre,Correct
  2. B. metre;
  3. C. metre
  4. D. metre—then

Answer: A. metre,

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

Why the other answers are wrong

B. metre;
A semicolon needs an independent clause before it.
C. metre
No boundary after the opener.
D. metre—then
A dash with 'then' is muddled here.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.