Which punctuation mark is strictly used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence without a conjunction?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. A semicolon (;)
- Step 1: A semicolon connects two independent clauses that are closely linked in meaning without a coordinating conjunction. Step 2. Using a comma alone produces an ungrammatical 'comma splice'. Answer: A semicolon (;). Why not the others: A comma creates a comma splice; a hyphen joins words; an apostrophe marks possession or contraction.
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