16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumSemicolon and comma with 'consequently'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The river burst its banks on Tuesday night ____ the valley road was closed for a week.

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

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

Answer: A. ; consequently,

Two complete clauses joined by a transition: a semicolon separates them and a comma follows 'consequently'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. , consequently,
A comma alone between two complete clauses is a splice.
C. consequently,
With no punctuation before the transition, the clauses run together.
D. ; consequently
The semicolon is right, but the transition needs its comma.

More Standard English Conventions questions

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