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Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

In the dry valleys of Antarctica, gravity-driven katabatic winds descend from the high polar plateau. These powerful winds can reach speeds of up to two hundred miles per hour, they dry out the soil and prevent any vegetation from growing. Consequently, scientists use this unique, arid environment to simulate conditions on Mars.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    hour; drying
  3. hour, dryingAnswer
  4. D
    hour. Because they dry

Answer

hour, drying
The correct option replaces the comma splice with a comma followed by a participial phrase. This eliminates the second independent clause and turns it into a dependent modifier, resolving the comma splice grammatically.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the original sentence structure to identify if there is a grammatical error.
The original sentence contains two independent clauses joined only by a comma, which is an incorrect comma splice.
Identifying the error type helps narrow down the correct punctuation and structure needed.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the one that corrects the comma splice without introducing new fragments or punctuation errors.
The choice using a comma followed by a present participle ('drying') correctly transforms the second clause into a modifying participial phrase, eliminating the comma splice.
Choosing a modifying participial phrase smoothly connects the action to the main subject and maintains sentence flow.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting comma splices and run-on sentences using participial phrases or proper punctuation.
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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