Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumComma after an introductory infinitive phrase
Standard English Conventions practice question
To reach the summit before dark ____ climbers set out at four in the morning.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. dark, theCorrect
- B. dark the
- C. dark; the
- D. dark. The
Answer: A. dark, the
'To reach the summit before dark' is an introductory phrase explaining the purpose. A comma separates it from the main clause.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. dark the
- Without the comma, 'before dark the climbers' runs the phrase into the subject.
- C. dark; the
- A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; the opening phrase isn't one.
- D. dark. The
- A period leaves 'To reach the summit before dark' as a fragment.
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Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
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