Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 76%

Which of the following sentences correctly uses punctuation to indicate a relationship between two independent clauses?

Rationale

There were just a few flurries in the air this morning, but now the snow is falling heavily in big, wet flakes.

This sentence correctly uses a coordinating conjunction, "but," along with a comma to connect two independent clauses. It effectively conveys the contrast between the light snowfall in the morning and the heavy snowfall occurring later.

A (There were just a few flurries in the air this morning, but now the snow is falling heavily in big, wet flakes.) CORRECT

This option correctly uses punctuation by including a comma before the coordinating conjunction "but," which connects the two independent clauses. Each clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, making this choice grammatically accurate.

B (She was not looking forward to salsa class she had left her favorite dancing shoes at home, and would not have time to get them after work.) YOUR ANSWER

This sentence incorrectly joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation, as there is no comma before "she." This omission creates a run-on sentence, making it grammatically incorrect.

C (He had never been to South America before, he jumped at the chance to visit Peru.) YOUR ANSWER

This option presents a comma splice, where two independent clauses are incorrectly connected by just a comma. A semicolon or a coordinating conjunction is needed to separate the clauses correctly.

D (It was a worthwhile concept; brilliant, unique, and relevant.) YOUR ANSWER

While this sentence contains a semicolon, it does not connect two independent clauses. Instead, it separates an independent clause from a series of adjectives. Therefore, it does not fulfill the requirement of the question regarding independent clauses.

Conclusion

Correct punctuation is essential for clarity and coherence in writing. Choice A exemplifies the proper use of punctuation to link independent clauses, while the other options demonstrate various errors such as run-on sentences, comma splices, and incorrect use of semicolons. Understanding these rules enhances effective communication in written language.

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