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Standard English ConventionsMediumPunctuation: colon introducing a list

Standard English Conventions practice question

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? The recipe calls for three staples of the region ____ olive oil, garlic, and ripe tomatoes.

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

Answer: C. region:

A colon follows a complete independent clause to introduce a list or explanation, which is exactly the case here. A comma (A) cannot introduce the list after a full clause, and a semicolon (B) must join two independent clauses, but the list that follows is not one.

Why the other answers are wrong

A. region,
A comma is too weak to introduce a list after a complete clause here; a colon is what signals that the items are coming.
B. region;
A semicolon needs an independent clause on both sides, but 'olive oil, garlic, and ripe tomatoes' is just a list, not a clause.
D. region
With no punctuation at all, the list runs directly into the clause; a colon is needed to introduce the three staples.

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