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Difficulty: MediumSubordination and Coordination

Deep beneath the forest floor, a complex network of fungal threads known as mycelium connects the roots of different trees. Through this network, trees can share vital nutrients, they also warn neighboring plants of impending pest attacks.

Which of the following versions of the underlined portion is the most effective and grammatically correct?

  1. A
    nutrients, they also warn
  2. B
    nutrients; because they warn
  3. nutrients while warningAnswer
  4. D
    nutrients, but warning

Answer

The correct option is the one that replaces 'nutrients, they also warn' with 'nutrients while warning'.
The correct choice properly subordinates the warning action by using the subordinating conjunction 'while' and the participle 'warning'. This removes the comma splice and connects the two ideas into a single, cohesive, grammatically correct sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the clause 'trees can share vital nutrients' and the clause 'they also warn neighboring plants...'
Both clauses are independent because they both contain a subject and a verb and express complete thoughts.
Identifying clause types is necessary to determine how they can be grammatically connected.
2
Evaluate the methods used in each option to connect these clauses.
A comma alone creates a comma splice. A semicolon followed by 'because' creates a fragment. However, converting the second clause into a dependent phrase using 'while warning' correctly subordinates the second action to the main clause.
Proper subordination eliminates punctuation errors and establishes a clear logical flow.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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