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Question

Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Consider the following passage from an essay on marine archaeology:

Marine archaeologists exploring the ancient Mediterranean shipwreck uncovered hundreds of intact ceramic amphorae. These clay vessels once held wine and <u>olive oil, however, preserving</u> them underwater required delicate chemical stabilization. Without immediate desalination treatment, salt crystals would expand and fracture the fragile ceramic structure upon drying.

Which of the following choices best corrects the underlined portion to form a grammatically complete and punctuated sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. olive oil; however, preservingAnswer
  3. C
    olive oil. Although preserving
  4. D
    olive oil; because preserving

Answer

The correct option replaces the underlined portion with 'olive oil; however, preserving', using a semicolon and comma around the conjunctive adverb to join the two independent clauses correctly.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'These clay vessels once held wine and olive oil' and 'preserving them underwater required delicate chemical stabilization.' When joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb such as 'however,' standard English conventions require a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structures on both sides of the underlined transition.
The clause preceding the underlined text ('These clay vessels once held wine and olive oil') and the clause following it ('preserving them underwater required delicate chemical stabilization') are both independent clauses.
Each clause contains its own subject and finite verb and can express a complete thought.
2
Evaluate the grammatical rules for connecting independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb like 'however'.
Joining two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunctive adverb produces a comma splice.
A conjunctive adverb is not a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) and requires a semicolon or period before it when connecting complete main clauses.
3
Select the option that applies appropriate punctuation without introducing a sentence fragment.
Using a semicolon before 'however' and a comma after it connects the two independent thoughts correctly.
The semicolon establishes a legitimate structural boundary between the two independent clauses.

Key Concept

Joining Independent Clauses with Conjunctive Adverbs
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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