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Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Archaeometallurgists investigating early ironworking sites in eastern Anatolia recently analyzed slag deposits containing unusual concentrations of titanium. By examining the mineral composition of the surrounding ore beds, the team deduced that ancient smiths systematically added local rutile sands to lower furnace melting temperatures, consequently, this technique dramatically improved the ductility of the produced iron tools. Further chemical testing confirmed that the resulting alloys possessed superior tensile strength compared to contemporary bronze implements.

Which of the following choices best revises the underlined portion to produce a grammatically correct sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. temperatures; consequently, this technique dramatically improvedAnswer
  3. C
    temperatures; because this technique dramatically improved
  4. D
    temperatures, this technique dramatically improved

Answer

Replacing the comma before 'consequently' with a semicolon correctly links the two independent clauses while avoiding a comma splice.
The sentence joins two independent clauses using the conjunctive adverb 'consequently'. Standard conventions require a semicolon prior to a conjunctive adverb when linking two independent clauses. The option that places a semicolon before 'consequently' fixes the comma splice while preserving the logical progression of ideas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses flanking the underlined portion.
The portion preceding the underlined text forms a complete independent clause ('...the team deduced that ancient smiths systematically added local rutile sands to lower furnace melting temperatures'), and the portion following forms another independent clause ('this technique dramatically improved the ductility...').
Identifying clause boundaries determines the required punctuation.
2
Evaluate the punctuation requirement for joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
The word 'consequently' is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). Joining two main clauses with only a comma before a conjunctive adverb creates a comma splice.
Conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon or period prior to the adverb when connecting main clauses.
3
Select the option that corrects the comma splice error.
Inserting a semicolon before 'consequently' properly joins the two independent clauses while maintaining the causal transition.
A semicolon effectively separates two complete independent clauses joined by a transition word.

Key Concept

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
Estimated Time:50s
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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