16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma before 'and' joining two independent clauses

Standard English Conventions practice question

The tide was already ____ and the last of the boats were being hauled up the slipway.

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

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

Answer: A. turning,

Two independent clauses joined by 'and' take a comma before the conjunction.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. turning
No comma joins two full clauses bare.
C. turning;
A semicolon is not used before 'and'.
D. turning.
A period leaves 'and the last…' as a fragment beginning with a lowercase letter.

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