16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumComma after an opening 'if' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

If the river rises another metre ____ lower streets will have to be evacuated.

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

  1. A. metre, theCorrect
  2. B. metre the
  3. C. metre; the
  4. D. metre. The

Answer: A. metre, the

'If the river rises another metre' is a dependent clause opening the sentence; a comma separates it from the main clause.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. metre the
Without the comma, the condition and the result run together.
C. metre; the
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side; the 'if' clause can't stand alone.
D. metre. The
A period leaves the 'if' clause as a fragment.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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