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Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Consider the following passage from an article on architectural conservation:

Conservators restoring medieval stained glass windows must carefully document every crack before disassembly. Lead cames deteriorate over centuries, they no longer support the heavy glass panels safely. Craftsmen must therefore re-lead the structural framework while preserving the original artistic layout.

Which of the following choices produces a grammatically correct sentence that fixes the underlined portion?

  1. A
    centuries, they no longer support the heavy glass panels safely.
  2. B
    centuries; because they no longer support the heavy glass panels safely.
  3. C
    centuries. Because they no longer support the heavy glass panels safely.
  4. centuries; consequently, they no longer support the heavy glass panels safely.Answer

Answer

The choice that uses a semicolon followed by the transitional adverb 'consequently' correctly connects the two independent clauses without creating a comma splice or sentence fragment.
The correct response replaces the comma splice with a semicolon followed by the conjunctive adverb 'consequently' and a comma. This correctly separates two independent clauses while preserving the cause-and-effect relationship between lead deterioration and the loss of panel support.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structures on both sides of the punctuation in the underlined portion.
'Lead cames deteriorate over centuries' is an independent clause, and 'they no longer support the heavy glass panels safely' is also an independent clause.
Determining clause types is necessary to select appropriate punctuation and conjunctions.
2
Evaluate the original sentence structure (NO CHANGE).
The original passage joins two complete independent clauses with only a comma, which is an ungrammatical comma splice.
Two independent clauses cannot be linked by a comma alone without a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
3
Select the correct punctuation pattern to join two independent clauses.
Using a semicolon and the conjunctive adverb 'consequently' (followed by a comma) properly joins the two independent clauses while expressing a logical cause-and-effect relationship.
A semicolon is required when linking independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.

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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