16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma between independent clauses with 'so'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The trail was washed out after the storm, ____ the rangers closed it until the crews could rebuild the footbridge.

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

  1. A. soCorrect
  2. B. so,
  3. C. and so,
  4. D. so that,

Answer: A. so

'So' joins two independent clauses; the comma before it is already there, and nothing goes after it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. so,
No comma follows a coordinating conjunction.
C. and so,
'And so,' adds a stray comma after the conjunction.
D. so that,
'So that,' changes the meaning to purpose and adds a stray comma.

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