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Difficulty: EasySubordination and Coordination

Many astronomers study distant stars using ground-based telescopes, others prefer space-based observatories because Earth's atmosphere does not blur the images.

Which choice best coordinates the two clauses in the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. but others preferAnswer
  3. C
    but others preferring
  4. D
    others; preferring

Answer

The correct answer is 'but others prefer', which properly uses a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction to link two independent clauses.
The correct option correctly resolves the comma splice by adding the coordinating conjunction 'but' after the comma. This grammatically connects the two independent clauses while expressing a logical contrast between astronomers using ground-based telescopes and those using space-based observatories.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structure of the clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'Many astronomers study distant stars using ground-based telescopes' and 'others prefer space-based observatories...'
Determining whether the clauses are independent or dependent guides the correct choice of conjunction and punctuation.
2
Evaluate the original sentence (NO CHANGE) for grammatical correctness.
The original sentence joins two independent clauses with only a comma, resulting in a comma splice.
To correct a comma splice, we must add a coordinating conjunction, use a semicolon, or split them into two sentences.
3
Select the option that correctly coordinates the two independent clauses.
Adding the coordinating conjunction 'but' after the comma creates a grammatically correct compound sentence.
This establishes a clear, contrastive logical relationship between the two independent clauses.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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