16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma after a long introductory phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

After three years of planning and two more of construction ____ new terminal finally opened in May.

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

  1. A. construction, theCorrect
  2. B. construction the
  3. C. construction; the
  4. D. construction. The

Answer: A. construction, the

'After three years ... construction' is a long introductory phrase. A comma marks where it ends and the main clause begins.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. construction the
With no comma, the reader runs from the phrase straight into 'the new terminal' with no break.
C. construction; the
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; the opening phrase isn't one.
D. construction. The
A period leaves 'After three years of planning and two more of construction' as a fragment.

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