Question #N304

The scientist’s research was groundbreaking, and her findings were widely discussed in the scientific community. She was, however, a controversial figure, and many disagreed with her methods and interpretations.

Which of the following best combines the two sentences at the underlined portion into a single sentence?
A. She was, however, a controversial figure, and many disagreed with her methods and interpretations.
B. However, she was a controversial figure, and many disagreed with her methods and interpretations.
C. A controversial figure, however, she was, and many disagreed with her methods and interpretations.
D. She was, however, a controversial figure because many disagreed with her methods and interpretations.

Correct Answer is: B

The best way to combine these sentences is to use the conjunction "however" to show the contrast between the two parts of the sentence. The phrase "however, she was" is placed correctly because the conjunction "however" is a conjunctive adverb, which should be set off with a comma before and after it. The phrase "and many disagreed with her methods and interpretations" is a dependent clause, which should also be set off with a comma before it.