16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma after an introductory 'when' clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the last ferry has ____ the harbour lights are switched off for the night.

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

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

Answer: A. left,

An introductory dependent clause is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. left
No comma runs the clause into the main clause.
C. left;
A semicolon can't follow a dependent clause.
D. left, and
'And' leaves no main clause before it.

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