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

Standard English Conventions practice question

Before the pottery ____ the village had no shop of any kind.

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

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

Answer: A. opened,

An introductory dependent clause takes a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. opened
Runs the clauses together.
C. opened;
A semicolon can't follow a dependent clause.
D. opened, and
'And' has no clause before it to join.

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