16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma after a dependent clause that opens the sentence

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the tide goes ____ the causeway to the island can be crossed on foot for about four hours.

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

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

Answer: A. out,

A dependent clause that opens a sentence is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. out
No comma leaves the opener running into the main clause.
C. out;
A semicolon can't follow a dependent clause.
D. out, and
'And' would turn the main clause into a fragment attached to the opener.

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