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Difficulty: HardCommas with Lists, Clauses, and Coordinate Adjectives

During the stress test of the experimental titanium alloy, the materials scientist observed that the lightweight, durable, metal, deformed under extreme pressure, she decided to adjust the chemical composition for the next trial.

Which option represents the correct punctuation for the underlined portion?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    lightweight, durable metal deformed under extreme pressure, she decided
  3. lightweight, durable metal deformed under extreme pressure; she decidedAnswer
  4. D
    lightweight, durable metal deformed under extreme pressure; because she decided

Answer

lightweight, durable metal deformed under extreme pressure; she decided
The correct answer properly separates the coordinate adjectives 'lightweight' and 'durable' with a comma while keeping the noun 'metal' joined to its modifying adjectives and its verb 'deformed' without unnecessary commas. It also correctly uses a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the punctuation between the adjectives 'lightweight' and 'durable' and the noun 'metal'.
Since 'lightweight' and 'durable' are coordinate adjectives (they can be reversed or joined by 'and'), they must be separated by a comma. However, no comma should separate the final adjective from the noun it modifies.
To ensure correct adjective punctuation.
2
Examine the punctuation between the subject 'metal' and the verb 'deformed'.
No punctuation should separate the subject from its verb.
To avoid separating the subject and the verb.
3
Evaluate the clause boundary between the two independent clauses: the observation clause and the decision clause.
Since both parts function as independent clauses, they must be separated by a semicolon or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction. Using a semicolon with a subordinating conjunction like 'because' creates a dependent clause fragment.
To connect the independent clauses grammatically without creating a comma splice or sentence fragment.

Key Concept

Identifying coordinate adjectives, avoiding punctuation between subject and verb, and correctly connecting independent clauses using semicolons rather than comma splices or dependent clause fragments.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Commas with Lists, Clauses, and Coordinate Adjectives

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