16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardColon before an explanation, with no comma after

Standard English Conventions practice question

There is one rule on the ____ turn back when the water reaches your boots.

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

  1. A. sandbank:Correct
  2. B. sandbank,
  3. C. sandbank;
  4. D. sandbank

Answer: A. sandbank:

A complete clause followed by the rule itself takes a colon.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. sandbank,
A comma can't introduce the explanation after a complete clause.
C. sandbank;
A semicolon needs an independent clause after it; the rule is an imperative that explains 'one rule'.
D. sandbank
Nothing marks the explanation.

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