Standard English ConventionsHardComma before 'for' meaning 'because'
Standard English Conventions practice question
The bridge was closed to traffic ____ inspectors had found cracks in two of its piers.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. , forCorrect
- B. for
- C. ; for
- D. , for,
Answer: A. , for
Here 'for' means 'because' and joins two complete clauses as a coordinating conjunction, so a comma goes before it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. for
- Without the comma, 'closed to traffic for inspectors' misreads as closed for the benefit of inspectors.
- C. ; for
- A semicolon already joins the clauses; 'for' after it is nonstandard.
- D. , for,
- No comma follows the conjunction.
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