Standard English ConventionsHardNo comma before an essential 'because' clause
Standard English Conventions practice question
The bridge was closed to lorries ____ its central span had begun to sag.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A. becauseCorrect
- B. because,
- C. , because,
- D. ; because
Answer: A. because
'Because its span had begun to sag' gives the essential reason and takes no comma.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. because,
- A comma after 'because' separates it from its clause.
- C. , because,
- Commas on both sides isolate the conjunction.
- D. ; because
- A semicolon can't introduce a dependent clause.
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