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Standard English ConventionsMediumComma before 'so' joining two clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

It was raining hard by lunchtime ____ the match was moved indoors.

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

  1. A. , soCorrect
  2. B. so
  3. C. ; so
  4. D. , so,

Answer: A. , so

'so' here joins two complete sentences as a coordinating conjunction, and a comma goes before it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. so
Two complete sentences joined by 'so' need a comma before the conjunction.
C. ; so
A semicolon already joins the clauses; adding 'so' after it is nonstandard.
D. , so,
No comma follows 'so' when it joins clauses.

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