With a blend of traditional design elements, such as arched Gothic ceilings, and modern ones, such as floor-to-ceiling ______ blank

Question

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?

Accepted Answer

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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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."

Question with-a