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Difficulty: MediumRun-on Sentences and Comma Splices

Art conservators have recently turned to particle accelerators to analyze fragile paintings without damaging them. By bombarding a canvas with high-energy X-rays, researchers can map the distribution of chemical elements in the pigment layers, consequently, this process reveals hidden drawings and structural changes made by the original artist. This non-invasive technology allows museums to study centuries-old masterpieces with unprecedented detail.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion to make the sentence grammatically correct?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. layers; consequently, this process revealsAnswer
  3. C
    layers; consequently, this process revealing
  4. D
    layers. Because this process reveals

Answer

layers; consequently, this process reveals
The correct answer is the option that reads 'layers; consequently, this process reveals'. This choice correctly joins the two independent clauses using a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb 'consequently' and a comma after it, which is the standard punctuation rule for joining independent clauses with transitional adverbs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
The clause before the underlined portion ('By bombarding... pigment layers') is independent, and the clause after ('this process reveals... original artist') is also independent.
Identifying clause types determines what punctuation and conjunctions are grammatically required to join them.
2
Evaluate the grammatical legality of the transition word and punctuation.
The word 'consequently' is a conjunctive adverb. Joining two independent clauses with only a comma and a conjunctive adverb is a comma splice, so a semicolon or period is required.
Conjunctive adverbs cannot join independent clauses without proper strong punctuation (a semicolon or period).
3
Verify that the chosen punctuation does not create fragments.
Using a semicolon with a complete independent clause ('this process reveals...') is correct, whereas introducing a participle like 'revealing' or a subordinating conjunction like 'Because' creates a fragment.
The corrected sentence must maintain two complete, grammatically sound clauses.

Key Concept

Joining Independent Clauses with Conjunctive Adverbs
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Topics

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices

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