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Question

Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Consider the following passage:

Specialized micro-roasters monitor the temperature and acidity of coffee beans during anaerobic fermentation with extreme precision. The prolonged fermentation process breaks down complex sugars into distinct organic acids, however, workers must continuously monitor pH levels to prevent spoilage. Consequently, artisan coffee producers are able to cultivate nuanced floral flavor profiles that command premium prices.

Which of the following choices produces a grammatically correct sentence that accurately connects the two independent clauses?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. acids; however, workersAnswer
  3. C
    acids, however workers
  4. D
    acids; although workers

Answer

The phrasing 'acids; however, workers' correctly separates the two independent clauses with a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.
The correct response uses a semicolon before 'however' and a comma immediately following it. Because the statements on both sides are full independent clauses, a semicolon is required to prevent a comma splice when a conjunctive adverb is used as a transition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structures on both sides of the transition word.
Both 'The prolonged fermentation process breaks down complex sugars into distinct organic acids' and 'workers must continuously monitor pH levels to prevent spoilage' are complete independent clauses.
Understanding clause boundaries helps determine whether strong punctuation or a coordinating conjunction is required.
2
Evaluate the punctuation surrounding the conjunctive adverb 'however'.
A comma alone before 'however' results in a comma splice when connecting two independent clauses.
Conjunctive adverbs like 'however', 'therefore', and 'moreover' require a semicolon or period preceding them when joining independent clauses.
3
Select the option that properly punctuates the connection without introducing a fragment.
Replacing the comma before 'however' with a semicolon creates a grammatically correct compound sentence structure.
A semicolon effectively separates two complete independent clauses linked by a conjunctive adverb.

Key Concept

Joining Independent Clauses with Conjunctive Adverbs
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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