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

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the tide goes out ____ causeway to the island can be crossed on foot.

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

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

Answer: A. out, the

'When the tide goes out' is a dependent clause opening the sentence; a comma separates it from the main clause.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. out the
Without the comma, the condition and the main clause run together.
C. out; the
A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side.
D. out. The
A period leaves the 'when' clause as a fragment.

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