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Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Researchers analyzing microfossils of starch grains on ancient grinding stones have identified early agricultural practices in the Andean highlands. These microscopic plant residues provide direct evidence of crop processing, however, establishing precise radiocarbon dates for the artifacts themselves remains a technical challenge. Soil contamination often skews isotope measurements.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would be MOST acceptable?

  1. A
    processing, however, establishing
  2. processing; however, establishingAnswer
  3. C
    processing, establishing
  4. D
    processing; because establishing

Answer

processing; however, establishing
The option 'processing; however, establishing' correctly uses a semicolon to separate two complete independent clauses connected by the conjunctive adverb 'however'. When a conjunctive adverb connects two main clauses, a semicolon must precede it and a comma typically follows it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause structure before and after the underlined portion.
The first clause ('These microscopic plant residues provide direct evidence of crop processing') and the second clause ('establishing precise radiocarbon dates for the artifacts themselves remains a technical challenge') are both complete independent clauses capable of standing alone as sentences.
Determining clause independence dictates the required punctuation.
2
Evaluate the transition word 'however' connecting the clauses.
'However' functions here as a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
Conjunctive adverbs cannot join two independent clauses with just a comma.
3
Select the correct punctuation pattern for conjunctive adverbs between independent clauses.
The proper punctuation required is a semicolon preceding 'however' and a comma following it.
A semicolon provides the necessary terminal separation between independent clauses while maintaining the transitional flow.

Key Concept

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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