16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardNo comma before 'so that'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The gates are locked at dusk ____ that no one is shut inside the gardens overnight.

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 that' introduces a purpose clause, which is attached with no comma — unlike 'so' meaning 'therefore', which joins clauses with a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , so
A comma before 'so' is for 'so' meaning 'therefore'. Here 'so that' states a purpose.
C. ; so
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; 'so that no one is shut inside' is dependent.
D. . So
'So that no one is shut inside the gardens overnight' is a fragment.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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