A recent historical analysis highlighted a significant change in industrial output between 1920 and ___________ factories had begun to automate assembly lines.
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writingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
1940,
B
1940;
C
1940
D
1940, by then
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The restrictive clause "factories had begun..." follows the prepositional phrase without needing punctuation.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma separates the timeframe from its definition. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon leaves the first part as a fragment. Choice D is incorrect because it creates a run-on sentence.