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Difficulty: MediumSentence Fragments

In 1967, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell detected a series of highly regular radio pulses while analyzing chart recorder data. Although she jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin. She and her advisor soon realized the pulses were coming from a rapidly spinning neutron star.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    Although she jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin; she and her advisor
  3. C
    She jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin, she and her advisor
  4. Although she jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin, she and her advisorAnswer

Answer

The choice that connects the introductory dependent clause with the independent clause using a comma: 'Although she jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin, she and her advisor'
The correct option properly uses a comma to connect the introductory dependent clause (which starts with 'Although') to the main independent clause. This forms a single, grammatically complete sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause structure around the underlined portion to determine if the sentences are complete.
The clause starting with 'Although' is a dependent clause because 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction. The subsequent clause 'She and her advisor soon realized...' is independent.
Identifying the clause type helps determine the correct punctuation required to connect them.
2
Select the correct punctuation to join the dependent clause to the independent clause.
When a dependent clause introduces a sentence, it must be followed by a comma before the independent clause begins.
Using a period or semicolon creates a sentence fragment since a dependent clause cannot stand alone.
3
Compare the options to find the one that uses a comma without introducing other errors.
The option using a comma correctly connects the clauses, while the option removing 'Although' and using a comma creates a comma splice.
This ensures the final sentence is grammatically correct and cohesive.

Key Concept

Sentence fragments and subordinating conjunctions
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Sentence Fragments

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