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Difficulty: Very hardSemicolons

The primary investigator spent months compiling the archaeological data; consequently, the report was highly detailed, and it convinced the board to renew the project's funding.

Which choice best punctuates the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. NO CHANGEAnswer
  2. B
    data, consequently, the report
  3. C
    data; consequently, because the report
  4. D
    data. Consequently, because the report

Answer

The original phrasing, which uses a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb 'consequently' and a comma after it to connect two independent clauses, is correct.
The original phrasing correctly uses a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb 'consequently', which is properly followed by a comma.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause boundary and structure.
The sentence consists of two main parts: 'The primary investigator spent months compiling the archaeological data' (an independent clause) and 'the report was highly detailed, and it convinced the board to renew the project's funding' (also an independent clause).
Understanding clause boundaries helps determine the appropriate punctuation and conjunctions needed.
2
Evaluate the joining element.
The two clauses are linked by 'consequently', which is a conjunctive adverb rather than a coordinating conjunction.
Conjunctive adverbs require specific punctuation patterns to avoid run-on sentences or comma splices.
3
Select the correct punctuation rule.
To join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb, a semicolon must precede the adverb, and a comma must follow it.
This maintains the independence of the clauses while establishing the logical transition between them.

Key Concept

Using semicolons to connect independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Semicolons

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