The American chestnut once dominated Eastern forests ______ a fungal blight nearly wiped out the species in the early 20th century.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Acheck_circle
, but
- B
but
- C
, but,
- D
: but
Explanation
Two independent clauses require a comma plus FANBOYS conjunction ("but"). " but" is a run-on; ", but," adds an unnecessary comma; ": but" misuses the colon.