What punctuation mark is used correctly to join two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. A semicolon
- Step 1: A semicolon links two independent clauses that share an immediate thematic relationship without a coordinating conjunction. Step 2. It provides a pause stronger than a comma but softer than a full stop. Answer: A semicolon. Why not the others: A comma produces a comma splice, and hyphens join compound adjectives.
Practise more Formal Writing, Language Mechanics, Syntax and Cohesion.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed National Certificate of Educational Achievement mock tests.
More Formal Writing, Language Mechanics, Syntax and Cohesion questions
- Which of the following is an example of a comma splice error?
- Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
- What is the grammatical function of an adverbial clause in formal essay writing?
- Which of the following sentences uses the active voice?
- What is 'nominalisation' in academic and formal prose?
- Which of the following contains a dangling modifier?