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Difficulty: EasyClause Boundaries and Linking

In 1995, astronomers discovered the first exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star, known as 51 Pegasi b. This landmark discovery fundamentally altered our understanding of planetary ______ proved that giant gas planets could exist in extremely close proximity to their parent stars. Prior to this finding, scientists assumed that large planets only formed in the cold, outer regions of solar systems.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. systems; itAnswer
  2. B
    systems, it
  3. C
    systems it
  4. D
    systems, but it

Answer

The choice containing 'systems; it' is correct because it uses a semicolon to properly link two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. The clause preceding the blank ('This landmark discovery fundamentally altered our understanding of planetary systems') and the clause following the blank ('it proved that giant gas planets could exist in extremely close proximity to their parent stars') are both independent. A semicolon is a grammatically valid way to link them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clauses surrounding the blank.
The clause before the blank ('This landmark discovery fundamentally altered our understanding of planetary systems') and the clause after the blank ('it proved that giant gas planets could exist in extremely close proximity to their parent stars') are both independent clauses because they can each stand alone as a complete sentence.
Determining the clause types is necessary to choose the correct punctuation and conjunction rules.
2
Evaluate the choices based on standard punctuation rules for joining two independent clauses.
Two independent clauses can be joined by a semicolon (without a conjunction), a period, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction. The choice with 'systems; it' correctly uses a semicolon. The choice with 'systems, it' creates a comma splice. The choice with 'systems it' creates a run-on. The choice with 'systems, but it' incorrectly uses a coordinating conjunction of contrast, which does not fit the cause-and-effect relationship between the clauses.
This step ensures that the grammatical and logical relationship between the clauses is properly maintained.

Key Concept

Joining two independent clauses requires a semicolon, a colon, a period, or a comma combined with a coordinating conjunction.
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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