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Difficulty: HardSubordination and Coordination

In the mid-twentieth century, computer scientist Grace Hopper developed the first compiler, which translated written instructions into machine code. Many of Hopper's contemporaries believed that computers could only perform arithmetic, she, on the other hand, envisioned a future where programming languages would use words rather than numbers.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion is grammatically correct and most appropriate in the context of the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    arithmetic; envisioning
  3. arithmetic, but she envisionedAnswer
  4. D
    arithmetic. Because she envisioned

Answer

The option that reads 'arithmetic, but she envisioned' is the correct choice because it properly coordinates the two independent clauses with a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but'.
The correct option is the one that uses a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction 'but' to join two independent clauses. Both the clause before and the clause after the underlined portion are independent because they contain their own subjects and verbs and express complete thoughts. Using a comma and 'but' successfully unites them while establishing the necessary contrasting transition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clauses surrounding the underlined transition.
The first clause ('Many of Hopper's contemporaries believed that computers could only perform arithmetic') is independent. The second clause ('she... envisioned a future where programming languages would use words rather than numbers') is also independent.
Determining whether the clauses are independent or dependent dictates the punctuation and conjunctions required.
2
Evaluate the grammatical structure of the original sentence.
The original text joins two independent clauses using only a comma, which constitutes a comma splice.
This identifies why the original underlined portion is grammatically unacceptable.
3
Test the remaining choices for proper punctuation and conjunction usage.
The option using a semicolon followed by a participle creates a fragment. The option starting with 'Because' also creates a fragment. Only the option employing a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' correctly and logically links the two clauses.
This eliminates run-on and fragment errors to identify the single grammatically correct choice.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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