16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumSemicolon and comma with 'in contrast'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The north wing was rebuilt in stone after the fire ____ the south wing kept its original timber frame.

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

  1. A. ; in contrast,Correct
  2. B. , in contrast,
  3. C. in contrast,
  4. D. ; in contrast

Answer: A. ; in contrast,

Two complete clauses joined by a transition: a semicolon between them, and a comma after 'in contrast'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , in contrast,
A comma between two complete clauses is a splice.
C. in contrast,
With no punctuation before the transition, the clauses run together.
D. ; in contrast
The semicolon is right, but the transition needs a comma after it.

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