The chef's signature dish combines fresh herbs _______ locally sourced vegetables _______ and organic chicken raised on nearby farms.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
fresh herbs, locally sourced vegetables
fresh herbs locally sourced vegetables,
fresh herbs; locally sourced vegetables;
fresh herbs, locally sourced vegetables,
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. This question tests comma usage in a series.
- Context clues: Three items in a list (herbs, vegetables, chicken).
- Meaning: Use commas to separate items in a series, including before the final "and" (Oxford comma).
- Verify: "...combines fresh herbs, locally sourced vegetables, and organic chicken" correctly lists three items.
💡 Strategy: Separate items in a series with commas. The serial (Oxford) comma before "and" is standard.
Choice A is incorrect because it lacks the comma after "vegetables." Choice B is incorrect because it lacks the first comma. Choice C is incorrect because semicolons are not used for simple series.