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Standard English ConventionsHardSemicolons in a list containing commas

Standard English Conventions practice question

The delegation included a geologist from Lima, ____ a botanist from Quito, Ecuador; and two engineers from La Paz, Bolivia.

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

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

Answer: A. Peru;

The list's items contain commas, so semicolons separate the items; the pattern is set by 'Quito, Ecuador;'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Peru,
A comma there makes 'Peru' and 'a botanist' look like separate items.
C. Peru
No punctuation runs the first two items together.
D. Peru; and
'And' belongs only before the final item.

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