16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardSemicolon and comma with 'for example'

Standard English Conventions practice question

Some birds migrate astonishing distances ____ the bar-tailed godwit flies from Alaska to New Zealand without stopping.

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

  1. A. ; for example,Correct
  2. B. , for example,
  3. C. for example,
  4. D. ; for example

Answer: A. ; for example,

Two complete sentences: a semicolon separates them, and the transition 'for example' that opens the second is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , for example,
A comma between two complete sentences is a splice; 'for example' doesn't fix it.
C. for example,
Without punctuation before 'for example', the two sentences run together.
D. ; for example
The semicolon is right, but the transition needs a comma after it.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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