Question #N467
The author of the book *The Great Gatsby* is F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s often suggested that the popularity of this book has increased since the 2000s. Many people in recent years have come to view the book as a commentary on American culture. What is the most effective way to combine the sentences?
Which choice combines the sentences in the passage so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. The author of the book *The Great Gatsby* is F. Scott Fitzgerald, it’s often suggested that the popularity of this book has increased since the 2000s.
B. The author of the book *The Great Gatsby* is F. Scott Fitzgerald; it’s often suggested that the popularity of this book has increased since the 2000s.
C. The author of the book *The Great Gatsby* is F. Scott Fitzgerald, and it’s often suggested that the popularity of this book has increased since the 2000s.
D. The author of the book *The Great Gatsby* is F. Scott Fitzgerald, it’s often suggested that the popularity of this book has increased since the 2000s, and many people in recent years have come to view the book as a commentary on American culture.
Correct Answer is: C
The best way to combine the two sentences is to use a comma and a conjunction. Choice A is incorrect because a comma can’t be used with just a conjunction. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon shouldn’t be used to join two independent clauses unless the clauses are already closely related in meaning. Choice D is incorrect because it creates a run-on sentence and is not grammatically correct.