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Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Crows are renowned for their problem-solving abilities; they can manipulate tools and solve multi-step puzzles to retrieve food. In a recent study, researchers observed a New Caledonian crow using a stick to extract a hidden treat. The bird had to complete several intermediate tasks first, however, it successfully obtained the reward. This behavior demonstrates that tool use is not unique to primates.

Which of the following choices best corrects the underlined portion of the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. first; however, it successfully obtainedAnswer
  3. C
    first; although it successfully obtained
  4. D
    first. Although it successfully obtained

Answer

The option that reads 'first; however, it successfully obtained' is the correct choice because it uses a semicolon and the transitional adverb 'however' followed by a comma to properly connect two independent clauses.
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses ('The bird had to complete several intermediate tasks first' and 'it successfully obtained the reward'). It also correctly uses a comma after the transitional adverb 'however' to show contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structure of the clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
The clause before the underline ('The bird had to complete several intermediate tasks first') and the clause after ('it successfully obtained the reward') are both independent clauses.
Determining if the clauses are independent or dependent dictates what punctuation and conjunctions are required to connect them.
2
Evaluate the grammatical role of the word 'however'.
The word 'however' is a transitional adverb (conjunctive adverb), not a coordinating conjunction.
Transitional adverbs cannot join two independent clauses with only a comma; they require a semicolon or a period before them.
3
Select the option that properly joins the independent clauses without creating a fragment or comma splice.
Using a semicolon before 'however' and a comma after it creates a grammatically correct compound sentence. The options using a subordinating conjunction ('although') after a semicolon or period create dependent clause fragments.
A semicolon is needed to link the two complete thoughts, and the transition 'however' must be followed by a comma.

Key Concept

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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