SAT OwlAfter recording and analyzing the songs of humpback ______ biologist Roger Payne released an album of the recordings in 1970 that helped launch a worldwide campaign to protect whales.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
whales;
whales
whales:
whales,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D
"After recording and analyzing the songs of humpback whales" is an introductory phrase, and "biologist Roger Payne released..." is the main clause. A comma separates an introductory phrase from the main clause. Without it, "whales biologist" runs together confusingly.
Choice A uses a semicolon, which must join two independent clauses, but the introductory phrase cannot stand alone.
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