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

Standard English Conventions practice question

Before the bridge was ____ the only way across was the ferry.

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

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

Answer: A. built,

An introductory dependent clause is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

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

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