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

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the ferry is ____ the island's post goes by helicopter.

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

  1. A. cancelled,Correct
  2. B. cancelled
  3. C. cancelled;
  4. D. cancelled, then

Answer: A. cancelled,

An introductory dependent clause takes a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. cancelled
No comma runs the clauses together.
C. cancelled;
A semicolon can't follow a dependent clause.
D. cancelled, then
'Then' after the comma makes a second connector.

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