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Difficulty: MediumSubordination and Coordination

In 1964, radio astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson detected a persistent background hiss in their Holmdel horn antenna. They meticulously cleaned the equipment and even removed nesting pigeons, nevertheless, the noise remained.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    pigeons; although the noise remained.
  3. pigeons, but the noise remained.Answer
  4. D
    pigeons because the noise remained.

Answer

The option containing 'pigeons, but the noise' is correct because it uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' to link the two contrasting independent clauses.
The correct answer properly resolves the punctuation and coordination of the sentence. The phrase 'pigeons, but the noise' successfully joins the first independent clause with the second independent clause using a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' to convey contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structure of the sentence.
The sentence is composed of two independent clauses: 'They meticulously cleaned the equipment and even removed nesting pigeons' and 'the noise remained'.
Knowing whether the clauses are independent or dependent determines the appropriate punctuation and conjunctions needed to connect them.
2
Analyze the logical relationship between the two clauses.
The clauses express a relationship of contrast: despite cleaning the equipment, the hiss persisted.
The selected conjunction must logically represent this relationship of contrast.
3
Evaluate the grammatical correctness of the options.
A comma combined with the coordinating conjunction 'but' correctly and grammatically joins two independent clauses expressing contrast.
This avoids sentence fragments, comma splices, or illogical transitions.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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