16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardSemicolon before 'therefore' between clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

The bridge failed its ____ therefore, it was closed to lorries the same afternoon.

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

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

Answer: A. inspection;

'Therefore' joining two independent clauses takes a semicolon before it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. inspection,
A comma splice.
C. inspection
A run-on.
D. inspection, and
'And therefore' with a comma after 'therefore' is muddled.

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