16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardColon introducing an explanation after a full clause

Standard English Conventions practice question

The engineers found the ____ a hairline crack in the main bearing.

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

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

Answer: A. cause:

A colon introduces what the cause was.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. cause;
A semicolon needs a complete sentence after it.
C. cause,
A comma would make the crack an appositive to "cause" in an awkward way.
D. cause
No separation.

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