16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma after an introductory phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

After three seasons of poor ____ the vineyard's owners replanted the lower slope with a hardier grape.

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

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

Answer: A. harvests,

An introductory phrase is followed by a comma before the main clause.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. harvests
Without the comma, the opener runs into the main clause.
C. harvests;
A semicolon needs an independent clause on each side; the opener is a phrase.
D. harvests, and
'And' after a phrase leaves the sentence with no main-clause subject before it.

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