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

Standard English Conventions practice question

As the tide ____ the sandbar appears in the middle of the estuary.

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

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

Answer: A. falls,

An introductory dependent clause is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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