16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardSemicolon between clauses that contain commas

Standard English Conventions practice question

The plan, though costly, was approved ____ the alternative, delay, was worse.

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

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

Answer: A. ;

Two complete clauses, each with commas inside it: a semicolon separates them clearly.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. ,
A comma between two complete clauses is a splice, and it would be lost among the other commas.
C. so
'so' joining two complete clauses needs a comma before it.
D. ; and
A semicolon already joins the clauses; 'and' after it is redundant.

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