Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1I drafted the email three times ............... I still managed to send the version with the wrong attachment.
Wrong!
Use a semicolon plus a conjunctive adverb to link two independent clauses without a comma splice.
2The meeting ran over ............... nobody complained because the decision was finally clear.
Wrong!
You need a subordinating conjunction to make one clause dependent and avoid a run-on.
3He promised to call ............... he vanished for a week without explanation.
Wrong!
A coordinating conjunction can join two independent clauses correctly.
4The data looked convincing ............... the sample size was tiny.
Wrong!
Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb to show contrast between two complete sentences.
5I could have corrected the report ............... I chose not to, just to see if anyone was paying attention.
Wrong!
A semicolon correctly separates two independent clauses without creating a comma splice.
6She wanted to leave early ............... her manager asked her to stay until the client arrived.
Wrong!
Use a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses; a comma alone is a splice.
7The speaker kept repeating the same point ............... the audience started checking their phones.
Wrong!
A semicolon with a conjunctive adverb shows a result without a run-on.
8I respect her expertise ............... I disagree with her conclusion in this case.
Wrong!
A semicolon cleanly links two independent clauses when the relationship is contrast.
9The deadline was unrealistic ............... we delivered on time by cutting the optional features.
Wrong!
Use a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses; a comma alone is incorrect here.
10He insisted the policy was fair ............... it clearly punished people for reporting problems.
Wrong!
A semicolon plus a conjunctive adverb correctly signals contrast between two full clauses.
11I was about to apologize ............... she cut me off and changed the subject.
Wrong!
A coordinating conjunction is needed to avoid a run-on between two independent clauses.
12The argument sounded persuasive ............... it collapsed the moment we checked the sources.
Wrong!
Use a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses and avoid a comma splice.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- I drafted the email three times; however, I still managed to send the version with the wrong attachment.
- The meeting ran over although nobody complained because the decision was finally clear.
- He promised to call but he vanished for a week without explanation.
- The data looked convincing; nevertheless, the sample size was tiny.
- I could have corrected the report; I chose not to, just to see if anyone was paying attention.
- She wanted to leave early yet her manager asked her to stay until the client arrived.
- The speaker kept repeating the same point; consequently, the audience started checking their phones.
- I respect her expertise; I disagree with her conclusion in this case.
- The deadline was unrealistic yet we delivered on time by cutting the optional features.
- He insisted the policy was fair; in fact, it clearly punished people for reporting problems.
- I was about to apologize but she cut me off and changed the subject.
- The argument sounded persuasive but it collapsed the moment we checked the sources.
