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. The SAT tests comma usage with coordinating conjunctions frequently. Remember: Independent Clause + COMMA + FANBOYS + Independent Clause. The comma is essential for grammatically correct compound sentences.
Key Evidence:
• "Sarah wanted to visit the exhibition _______ she didn't have..."
Why others are wrong: B ('; but' incorrectly uses a semicolon, which should not precede a coordinating conjunction), C (': but' incorrectly uses a colon, which is not used before coordinating conjunctions), D ('but' lacks the required comma before the coordinating conjunction).