16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumComma before a coordinating conjunction joining clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

The chorus rehearsed the new piece for six ____ but the conductor still cut it from the concert.

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

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

Answer: A. weeks,

Two independent clauses joined by 'but' take a comma before the conjunction.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. weeks;
A semicolon is not used before a coordinating conjunction.
C. weeks
Without a comma, two long independent clauses are joined bare.
D. weeks.
A period would need a capital letter to begin the next sentence; the lowercase 'but' continues the same sentence.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.