Question #N1264
The invention of the telephone, attributed to Alexander Graham Bell, drastically changed the way people communicate. However, many people are unaware of the fact that Bell’s invention was not the only one that contributed to the development of the modern telephone. Antonio Meucci, an Italian inventor, developed a device that could transmit sound over long distances, and his work is considered by some historians to have been a precursor to Bell’s invention. However, Meucci never sought to patent his invention or to make it commercially available.
Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion to make a more effective and precise use of language?Correct Answer is: C
The use of the coordinating conjunction "and" is the best way to connect the two independent clauses. The use of the conjunction "or" in Choice A is incorrect because it suggests that Meucci was considering making his invention commercially available but simply did not. The use of the conjunction "nor" in Choice B is incorrect because it suggests that Meucci was considering making his invention commercially available but did not want to. The semicolon in Choice D creates a comma splice.