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Difficulty: Very hardRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Astronomers studying the remote galaxy cluster SPT0346-52 observed an extraordinarily high rate of star formation, a phenomenon that puzzled the research team. The galaxy is producing stars at thousands of times the rate of our Milky Way; yet it lacks the typical signs of active galactic nuclei. Initially, the scientists suspected a hidden supermassive black hole was fueling this growth, however, subsequent observations showed that the intense starburst is instead driven by a massive cosmic collision. This finding challenges existing models of early galactic evolution and suggests that merger events play a more dominant role than previously assumed.

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

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. growth; however, subsequent observations showedAnswer
  3. C
    growth; however, subsequent observations showing
  4. D
    growth, because subsequent observations showing

Answer

The correct answer states 'growth; however, subsequent observations showed', which correctly uses a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses.
The correct option correctly resolves the comma splice by replacing the comma before the conjunctive adverb 'however' with a semicolon. Since both clauses are independent and the second clause contains the finite verb 'showed', this structure is grammatically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two independent clauses in the sentence.
Clause 1: 'Initially, the scientists suspected a hidden supermassive black hole was fueling this growth.' Clause 2: 'subsequent observations showed that the intense starburst is instead driven by a massive cosmic collision.'
To determine how they should be punctuated, we must first establish whether they can stand alone as complete sentences.
2
Analyze the transition word and punctuation connecting the clauses.
The word 'however' is a conjunctive adverb. Joining two independent clauses with only a comma and a conjunctive adverb creates a comma splice.
Conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon or period before them to properly separate independent clauses.
3
Evaluate the options to find the one that correctly punctuates the clauses without creating fragments.
The option using a semicolon before 'however' and a finite verb 'showed' in the second clause is grammatically correct. The option using 'showing' creates a fragment.
A semicolon must separate two independent clauses, and the second clause must contain a finite verb to be independent.

Key Concept

Joining independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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