Question with-a

3.1 Boundaries - Parenthetical punctuation: commas, dashes, parentheses
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With a blend of traditional design elements, such as arched Gothic ceilings, and modern ones, such as floor-to-ceiling blank design splits the difference between old and new, a mixture that is increasingly seen in home interiors in the US.

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

A.

windows; transitional

B.

windowstransitional

C.

windows. Transitional

D.

windows, transitional

With a blend of traditional design elements, such as arched Gothic ceilings, and modern ones, such

Hard-difficulty · SAT Reading & Writing · Boundaries — Parenthetical punctuation: commas, dashes, parentheses. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of punctuation within a sentence. This choice correctly uses a comma to mark the boundary between the introductory subordinate clause ("With…windows") and the main clause ("transitional design splits the difference between old and new").

Choice A is incorrect because a semicolon can’t be used in this way to separate the subordinate clause ("With…windows") from the main clause ("transitional…new"). Choice B is incorrect because a dash can’t be used in this way to separate the subordinate clause ("With…windows") from the main clause ("transitional…new"). Choice C is incorrect because it results in a rhetorically unacceptable sentence fragment beginning with "with."