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Standard English ConventionsEasyComma after a sentence-opening 'Finally'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The speeches ran on and the band played two encores. ____ the last of the guests left at midnight.

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

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

Answer: A. Finally,

'Finally' opens the sentence as a transition, and a transition at the start of a sentence is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Finally
Without the comma, the transition runs into the clause.
C. Finally;
A semicolon needs a complete clause before it; 'Finally' alone isn't one.
D. Finally.
'Finally.' is a fragment.

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