Standard English ConventionsMediumComma before a closing participial phrase
Standard English Conventions practice question
The train left on time ____ arriving in Leeds a few minutes before noon.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. , arrivingCorrect
- B. arriving
- C. ; arriving
- D. . Arriving
Answer: A. , arriving
'arriving in Leeds...' is a participial phrase that adds information about the train's journey. At the end of a sentence it is set off with a comma.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. arriving
- Without a comma, 'on time arriving' runs together awkwardly.
- C. ; arriving
- A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; the participial phrase isn't one.
- D. . Arriving
- 'Arriving in Leeds a few minutes before noon' is a fragment.
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