Question #N545
The author of "The Gift of the Magi" is O. Henry, a short story writer who was particularly known for his surprise endings and his use of irony. He has been called one of the most important figures in American literature. O. Henry wrote over 600 short stories but is perhaps best known for this one.
Which choice best corrects the punctuation error in the sentence?
A. The author of "The Gift of the Magi" is O. Henry, a short story writer who was particularly known for his surprise endings and his use of irony. He has been called one of the most important figures in American literature: O. Henry wrote over 600 short stories but is perhaps best known for this one.
B. The author of "The Gift of the Magi" is O. Henry, a short story writer who was particularly known for his surprise endings and his use of irony. He has been called one of the most important figures in American literature, O. Henry wrote over 600 short stories, but is perhaps best known for this one.
C. The author of "The Gift of the Magi" is O. Henry, a short story writer who was particularly known for his surprise endings and his use of irony; he has been called one of the most important figures in American literature. O. Henry wrote over 600 short stories but is perhaps best known for this one.
D. The author of "The Gift of the Magi" is O. Henry, a short story writer who was particularly known for his surprise endings and his use of irony. He has been called one of the most important figures in American literature. O. Henry wrote over 600 short stories, but is perhaps best known for this one.
Correct Answer is: D
The correct answer is D. This choice uses a comma to separate the two independent clauses in the sentence. This choice is the best because it maintains the original meaning of the sentence without changing the grammar or the flow of the sentence.