16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardColon versus semicolon: introducing a list of clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

The survey reached three ____ the cellar is dry, the roof is sound, and the wiring must be replaced.

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

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

Answer: A. conclusions:

A complete clause introduces the list of conclusions, so a colon follows it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. conclusions;
A semicolon needs an independent clause after it, and it does not introduce a list.
C. conclusions,
A comma leaves the list dangling.
D. conclusions
No punctuation runs the clause into the list.

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