Question #N773
The study of the solar system is an incredibly complex and fascinating one, requiring a vast amount of knowledge from several different fields. Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to study the movements of the planets, while physicists study the laws of gravity and motion that govern them. Geologists study the composition of the planets and their moons, and biologists study the possibility of life on other worlds.
Which choice provides the best punctuation for the sentence "Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to study the movements of the planets while physicists study the laws of gravity and motion that govern them"?
A. Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to study the movements of the planets, while physicists study the laws of gravity and motion that govern them.
B. Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to study the movements of the planets; while physicists study the laws of gravity and motion that govern them.
C. Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to study the movements of the planets while, physicists study the laws of gravity and motion that govern them.
D. Astronomers use telescopes and other tools to study the movements of the planets; physicists study the laws of gravity and motion that govern them.
Correct Answer is: A
The sentence contains two independent clauses that are joined by the coordinating conjunction "while." A comma is needed to separate two independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction.