16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComma before 'or' joining two clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

Book the tickets by Friday ____ the seats will be released to the public.

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

  1. A. , orCorrect
  2. B. or
  3. C. ; or
  4. D. , or,

Answer: A. , or

'or' joins two complete clauses — a command and a statement — so a comma goes before it.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

More Standard English Conventions questions

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