16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComma after a participial opening

Standard English Conventions practice question

Having missed the last ____ we walked the four miles home.

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

  1. A. bus,Correct
  2. B. bus;
  3. C. bus
  4. D. bus, and

Answer: A. bus,

An opening participial phrase is followed by a comma.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. bus;
A semicolon needs a complete sentence before it.
C. bus
The phrase runs into the clause.
D. bus, and
"and" cannot join a phrase to a clause.

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