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

Question

The lab tested the samples a second time ____ both tests confirmed the initial result.

Accepted Answer

A. time, and both. Two complete sentences are joined by 'and'. When a coordinating conjunction joins independent clauses, a comma goes before it.

Answer

B. time and, both — The comma is on the wrong side of 'and'. It belongs before the conjunction, not after.

Answer

C. time, both — Without the conjunction, the comma alone makes a splice.

Answer

D. time; and both — A semicolon already joins the clauses; 'and' after it is redundant.

Standard English Conventions practice question