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

Standard English Conventions practice question

While the paint ____ the decorators ate their lunch on the front step.

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

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

Answer: A. dried,

An introductory dependent clause is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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