Choose the sentence that uses coordinating conjunctions correctly without a comma splice or run-on.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The experiment yielded unexpected results, yet the researchers remained optimistic.
- Step 1: When connecting two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a comma must precede the conjunction.
- Step 2: Here, 'The experiment yielded unexpected results' and 'the researchers remained optimistic' are correctly joined by ', yet'.
Answer
The experiment yielded unexpected results, yet the researchers remained optimistic.
Why not the others: The sentence with no comma before 'yet' omits the required comma; the sentence 'results, researchers remained optimistic' is a comma splice lacking a conjunction; the sentence 'results; but researchers remained optimistic' uses both a semicolon and coordinating conjunction 'but' redundantly.
Practise more Writing, Syntax and Language Mechanics.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Egyptian Scholastic Test (EST) mock tests.
More Writing, Syntax and Language Mechanics questions
- Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses.
- Identify the sentence that correctly avoids a dangling modifier error.
- Which sentence maintains proper grammatical parallelism across listed elements?
- Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement.
- Which sentence correctly uses apostrophes for possessive nouns?
- Choose the sentence that corrects the comma splice: 'The solar panels generated surplus energy, the batteries stored the excess for nighttim…