16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumComma after an introductory participial phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

Exhausted by the long climb ____ hikers rested for an hour at the ridge.

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

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

Answer: A. climb, the

'Exhausted by the long climb' is an introductory phrase describing the hikers. A comma separates it from the main clause.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. climb the
Without the comma, the phrase runs into the main clause.
C. climb; the
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; the opening phrase isn't one.
D. climb. The
A period leaves 'Exhausted by the long climb' as a fragment.

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