Set 16: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
Sarah wanted to visit the exhibition _______ she didn't have enough time.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Detailed Answer Explanation
The correct answer is ', but' because of the rule: comma before coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses. Compound sentences require a comma before the coordinating conjunction. Each clause must be able to stand alone as a complete sentence. Without the comma, you create a run-on sentence.
Key Evidence:
• "Sarah wanted to visit the exhibition _______ she didn't have..."
Why others are wrong: A ('; but' incorrectly uses a semicolon, which should not precede a coordinating conjunction), C ('but' lacks the required comma before the coordinating conjunction), D (': but' incorrectly uses a colon, which is not used before coordinating conjunctions).