Question #N1202
The new building was constructed in a modern style, with sleek lines and minimalist design. Although it was praised for its functionality, some critics felt that it lacked the warmth and character of traditional architecture. However, the building’s residents, who had been living there for several years, expressed a strong preference for the new building’s airy and open spaces.
Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. However, the building's residents, who had been living there for several years, expressed a strong preference for the new building's airy and open spaces.
B. However, the building's residents, who had been living there for several years, expressed a strong preference for the new building's airy and open spaces,
C. However, the building's residents, who had been living there for several years, expressed a strong preference for the new building's airy and open spaces;
D. However, the building's residents, who had been living there for several years, expressed a strong preference for the new building's airy and open spaces—
Correct Answer is: A
The most effective way to combine these sentences is to use a comma to separate the two independent clauses. The comma correctly creates a pause between the two clauses and allows the reader to understand the relationship between them. It also avoids the common errors of comma splices, fused sentences, and incorrect use of semicolons.