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Standard English ConventionsEasyComma before 'but' joining two sentences

Standard English Conventions practice question

I wanted to go ____ but the shop was closed.

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.

Answer: A. out,

A comma goes before 'but' when it joins two complete sentences.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. out
The comma before 'but' is missing.
C. out;
A semicolon and 'but' together is too much.
D. out.
A period leaves 'but the shop was closed' as a fragment.

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