16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumNo comma before 'or' joining two nouns

Standard English Conventions practice question

Visitors may pay by card ____ cash at the kiosk beside the entrance.

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

  1. A. orCorrect
  2. B. , or
  3. C. ; or
  4. D. . Or

Answer: A. or

'or' joins two nouns, 'card' and 'cash', not two sentences. No comma is needed.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , or
A comma before 'or' is for joining two complete sentences. 'cash at the kiosk' is not one.
C. ; or
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side.
D. . Or
'Or cash at the kiosk beside the entrance' is a fragment.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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