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

Standard English Conventions practice question

While the tide is ____ the sandbank is safe to walk on.

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

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

Answer: A. out,

An introductory dependent clause takes a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. out
Runs the clauses together.
C. out;
A semicolon can't follow a dependent clause.
D. out, then
A stray 'then' after the comma.

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