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

Standard English Conventions practice question

Because the ferry was ____ the islanders held their market a day late.

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

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

Answer: A. delayed,

An introductory dependent clause is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. delayed
No comma runs the clause into the main clause.
C. delayed;
A semicolon can't follow a dependent clause.
D. delayed, so
'Because … so' doubles the causal link.

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