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Question

Difficulty: HardRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

While exploring the depths of the Mariana Trench, marine biologists discovered several new species of extremophiles. These organisms thrive near hydrothermal vents that spew superheated, mineral-rich water into the ocean. The high pressure and extreme heat would kill most terrestrial life, however, these bacteria have evolved specialized proteins that remain stable under pressure. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion is correct?

  1. A
    life, however, these bacteria have evolved
  2. life; however, these bacteria have evolvedAnswer
  3. C
    life; although these bacteria have evolved
  4. D
    life. Because these bacteria have evolved

Answer

life; however, these bacteria have evolved
The correct answer correctly separates the two independent clauses using a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. This resolves the comma splice while maintaining the logical relationship between the two complete thoughts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
Clause 1 ('The high pressure and extreme heat would kill most terrestrial life') and Clause 2 ('these bacteria have evolved specialized proteins that remain stable under pressure') are both independent clauses capable of standing alone as sentences.
Recognizing the structure of the clauses is necessary to determine how they should be punctuated.
2
Evaluate the punctuation and transition words connecting these clauses.
The word 'however' is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction. Therefore, using a comma before 'however' to join two independent clauses is grammatically incorrect.
This helps rule out options that lead to a comma splice or run-on sentence.
3
Verify the correct punctuation method for separating independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
The clauses must be separated by a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it, or divided into two separate sentences.
This confirms the correct grammatical choice.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting comma splices and run-on sentences using proper punctuation and conjunctions.
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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