16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsEasyComma after an introductory phrase

Standard English Conventions practice question

After forty years at the ____ the postmistress retired in June.

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

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

Answer: A. counter,

An introductory phrase is set off with a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. counter
No comma runs the phrase into the clause.
C. counter;
A semicolon can't follow a phrase.
D. counter, and
'And' leaves nothing before it to join.

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