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Standard English ConventionsEasyComma after an introductory 'if' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

If the frost holds ____ the skating pond will open on Saturday.

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

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

Answer: A. off,

An introductory 'if' clause is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. off
No comma runs the clause into the main clause.
C. off;
A semicolon can't follow a dependent clause.
D. off, then,
'Then,' with a comma after it is not needed.

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