Question 173·Medium·Boundaries
In 2020, the startup released its first environmentally friendly cleaning _____ a result, several large retailers expressed interest in carrying the line.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For punctuation/boundary questions, test whether the text on both sides (after inserting each option) forms complete sentences. If so, you’ll need strong punctuation (period or semicolon) or a comma with a coordinating conjunction—not a comma alone. Then confirm capitalization: after a period, capitalize the next word; after a semicolon, use lowercase unless it’s a proper noun.
Hints
Test each option in the sentence
Read the sentence with each option inserted. After insertion, does the text before the punctuation form a complete sentence ending at "product"?
Consider the transition
"As a result" is a transitional phrase that typically starts a new sentence or follows strong punctuation when linking two complete ideas.
Mind capitalization rules
After a period, the next word must be capitalized. After a semicolon, the next word is usually lowercase unless it’s a proper noun or "I."
Eliminate mismatches
Rule out choices that use only a comma between two complete sentences or that mismatch punctuation and capitalization (period with lowercase, semicolon with unnecessary capital).
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the sentence structure around the blank
Insert each option to test the structure. The clause before the blank should end after the word "product," making a complete sentence. The next idea begins with a transition and an independent clause ("As a result, several large retailers expressed interest in carrying the line"). Thus, strong punctuation is required between them.
Understand the role of "as a result"
"As a result" is a transitional phrase indicating cause and effect. Such transitions typically start a new sentence or follow a semicolon when linking two independent clauses.
Apply punctuation and capitalization rules
- A period requires the next word to start a new sentence and be capitalized.
- A semicolon can connect two complete sentences, but the following word is usually lowercase (unless a proper noun or "I").
- A comma alone is too weak to join two complete sentences; that would be a comma splice.
Evaluate each option
- "product, as" uses only a comma between two complete sentences, creating a comma splice.
- "product; As" uses a semicolon but incorrectly capitalizes the next word.
- "product. as" uses a period but incorrectly leaves the next sentence lowercase.
- "product. As" correctly ends the first sentence and begins the next with a capitalized transition.
Therefore, the correct answer is product. As.