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Difficulty: HardClause Boundaries and Linking

Linguists studying the creole languages of the Caribbean have identified complex grammatical structures that cannot be traced back to the languages of European colonizers. For many years, researchers assumed these structures were simplified versions of colonial speech ________ these features instead stem from a combination of African substrate languages and universal cognitive principles of language acquisition.

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

  1. ; however,Answer
  2. B
    , however,
  3. C
    however
  4. D
    ; although

Answer

; however,
The correct choice must successfully connect two independent clauses. The clause preceding the blank ('For many years, researchers assumed these structures were simplified versions of colonial speech') and the clause following the blank ('these features instead stem from...') are both independent. Separating them with a semicolon, followed by the transition word 'however' and a comma, is a grammatically correct way to link independent clauses while expressing contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses before and after the blank.
The clause before the blank ('For many years, researchers assumed these structures were simplified versions of colonial speech') is an independent clause. The clause after the blank ('these features instead stem from a combination of African substrate languages and universal cognitive principles of language acquisition') is also an independent clause.
Identifying whether the clauses are independent or dependent determines the type of punctuation required to link them.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the two clauses.
The second clause contrasts with the first clause (challenging the assumption that creole structures are merely simplified versions of colonial speech).
Understanding the logical connection helps select the correct transition word or punctuation style.
3
Test the punctuation and linking options for grammatical correctness.
A semicolon followed by 'however' and a comma correctly joins two independent clauses and establishes a contrast. A comma alone causes a comma splice, no punctuation causes a run-on, and using the subordinator 'although' after a semicolon incorrectly joins a dependent clause.
Applying standard English conventions ensures the final sentence is grammatically correct and coherent.

Key Concept

Clause Boundaries and Linking
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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