Question #N778
The scientist’s research on the effectiveness of a new type of fertilizer had a positive impact on agricultural practices. Specifically, the new fertilizer helped farmers to increase crop yields and reduce the use of harmful pesticides. Although the scientist’s research had a positive impact on farming practices, the scientist found that the new fertilizer could not be used to grow certain types of crops. What is the most likely reason why the writer uses a semicolon in this sentence?
The semicolon in this sentence is used toCorrect Answer is: A
The semicolon is used to join two closely related independent clauses. The first independent clause states that the new fertilizer had a positive impact on farming practices. The second independent clause explains that the new fertilizer could not be used to grow certain types of crops. Both of these clauses are complete sentences, and they are closely related in meaning. Therefore, the semicolon is the correct punctuation mark to use.