Standard English ConventionsEasy–MediumNo comma between a subject and its verb
Standard English Conventions practice question
The bridge connecting the two islands ____ scheduled for repairs next spring.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. islands, is
- B. islands isCorrect
- C. islands; is
- D. islands — is
Answer: B. islands is
The subject is 'The bridge connecting the two islands' and its verb is 'is scheduled'. Nothing separates a subject from its own verb, so no punctuation belongs in the blank.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. islands, is
- The phrase 'connecting the two islands' is part of the subject, not an aside. A single comma between a subject and its verb is always an error.
- C. islands; is
- A semicolon needs a complete clause on each side. 'The bridge connecting the two islands' has no verb yet, so it isn't a clause at all.
- D. islands — is
- A single dash marks a break in thought or introduces an elaboration. Here the sentence is simply continuing to its verb — there's no break.
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Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
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