Question #N588
The author of a new book about the history of New York City’s subway system, writes that, "The subway system was a marvel of engineering, and the result of a massive amount of planning and labor, it is a testament to the vision of those who designed and built it."
Which choice best revises the sentence so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. The subway system was a marvel of engineering, and the result of a massive amount of planning and labor, and it is a testament to the vision of those who designed and built it.
B. The subway system, a marvel of engineering, and the result of a massive amount of planning and labor, is a testament to the vision of those who designed and built it.
C. The subway system was a marvel of engineering, the result of a massive amount of planning and labor; it is a testament to the vision of those who designed and built it.
D. The subway system was a marvel of engineering and the result of a massive amount of planning and labor, it is a testament to the vision of those who designed and built it.
Correct Answer is: B
The original sentence contains a comma splice, which is an error in Standard English. The sentence should be revised to combine the two independent clauses into a single sentence. Choice B is the best revision because it uses a comma after the introductory phrase to create a complete sentence. Choices A and C are incorrect because they create comma splices. Choice D is incorrect because it creates a run-on sentence.