OpenSAT

Question #N666

The use of semicolons is particularly important in separating independent clauses—clauses that could stand alone as sentences—when a conjunction is not used. This is important for clarity, as semicolons help to avoid run-on sentences, but they also help the reader to understand how the ideas in the text are related.

Which choice provides the best example of the use of a semicolon to separate independent clauses in the passage above?

A. The use of semicolons is particularly important in separating independent clauses—clauses that could stand alone as sentences—when a conjunction is not used.

B. This is important for clarity; as semicolons help to avoid run-on sentences, but they also help the reader to understand how the ideas in the text are related.

C. The use of semicolons is particularly important in separating independent clauses—clauses that could stand alone as sentences; when a conjunction is not used.

D. This is important for clarity, as semicolons help to avoid run-on sentences; but they also help the reader to understand how the ideas in the text are related.

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Correct Answer is: B

Choice B is the best answer because it correctly separates two independent clauses with a semicolon, which is necessary because a conjunction is not used. The two clauses are "This is important for clarity" and "as semicolons help to avoid run-on sentences, but they also help the reader to understand how the ideas in the text are related." The semicolon is the most appropriate choice because it correctly separates the two independent clauses, which are not joined by a conjunction. The comma in Choice D is incorrect because it doesn’t separate independent clauses.