Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon and comma to join two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. The archaeological expedition faced severe sandstorms; nonetheless, the team uncovered the tomb.
- Step 1: Two independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb (nonetheless, however, therefore) require a semicolon before the adverb and a comma after it.
- Step 2: The sentence 'The archaeological expedition faced severe sandstorms; nonetheless, the team uncovered the tomb.' correctly places the semicolon before 'nonetheless' and comma after 'nonetheless'.
Answer
The archaeological expedition faced severe sandstorms; nonetheless, the team uncovered the tomb.
Why not the others: The sentence with 'sandstorms, nonetheless;' reverses punctuation positions; the sentence with 'nonetheless the team' omits the comma after 'nonetheless'; the sentence with 'sandstorms, nonetheless, the team' creates a comma splice.
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