Question #N757
The novel's protagonist, a brilliant but troubled scientist, is obsessed with finding a way to reverse the aging process. His research, however, leads him down a dark path, filled with ethical dilemmas and unforeseen consequences. The scientist's obsession ultimately consumes him, leaving him isolated and alone.
Which choice provides the best punctuation for the sentence? The scientist's obsession ultimately consumes him, ______ leaving him isolated and alone.
A. leaving him isolated and alone.
B. , leaving him isolated and alone.
C. ; leaving him isolated and alone.
D. —leaving him isolated and alone.
Correct Answer is: B
The comma is the best choice here because it is used to separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence. The first clause, "The scientist's obsession ultimately consumes him", is a complete sentence. The second clause, "leaving him isolated and alone", is also a complete sentence. A comma is used to separate two independent clauses that are joined together by a coordinating conjunction.