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Difficulty: Very hardSubordination and Coordination

In 1938, physicist Lise Meitner fled Nazi Germany for Sweden, where she continued her collaboration with chemist Otto Hahn. Hahn had observed that bombarding uranium with neutrons produced barium. Although he was unable to explain this result; it was Meitner who subsequently calculated that the uranium atom had actually split, releasing vast amounts of energy. Which choice is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. Although he was unable to explain this result, Meitner subsequently calculatedAnswer
  3. C
    He was unable to explain this result, but Meitner subsequently calculating
  4. D
    He was unable to explain this result, Meitner subsequently calculated

Answer

The correct option is the one that begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Although' and uses a comma to connect the dependent clause to the main clause.
The correct option correctly uses the subordinating conjunction 'Although' to establish a dependent clause ('Although he was unable to explain this result'), which is separated by a comma from the independent main clause ('Meitner subsequently calculated that the uranium atom had actually split'). This structure properly links the two ideas and shows their contrasting relationship.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the original sentence to identify the clauses and punctuation.
The clause beginning with 'Although' is a dependent clause, but it is followed by a semicolon and then an independent clause.
A semicolon can only connect two independent clauses, so using one after a dependent clause is incorrect.
2
Evaluate the grammar and connection of the options.
The option that changes the participle 'calculated' to 'calculating' creates a sentence fragment. The option that removes the subordinating conjunction entirely and joins the two clauses with a comma creates a comma splice.
Correct subordination requires an introductory subordinating conjunction followed by a comma and a main independent clause containing a finite verb.
3
Select the option that properly subordinates the first clause to the second while keeping both structurally complete.
The option starting with 'Although' and ending with 'subsequently calculated' forms a grammatically correct complex sentence.
It uses a comma to separate the introductory dependent clause from the complete main clause.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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