16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardColon before a quoted notice

Standard English Conventions practice question

The sign at the trailhead was ____ Trail closed beyond this point.

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

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

Answer: A. blunt:

A colon introduces the words of the sign after a complete clause.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. blunt;
What follows is not an independent clause.
C. blunt,
A comma does not introduce the notice's wording here.
D. blunt
No separation between the clause and the notice.

More Standard English Conventions questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.