The marketing team proposed an aggressive campaign strategy _______ the finance department, however, expressed concerns about the budget.
3
readingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
strategy, the
B
strategy: the
C
strategy; the
D
strategy—the
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. This question tests semicolon usage between related independent clauses.
- Context clues: Two independent clauses with contrasting information.
- Meaning: A semicolon can connect two related independent clauses.
- Verify: "The marketing team proposed an aggressive campaign strategy; the finance department, however, expressed concerns" correctly links the contrasting ideas.
💡 Strategy: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses that are closely related, especially when showing contrast.
Choice A is incorrect because a comma alone creates a comma splice. Choice B is incorrect because a colon typically introduces explanation, not contrast. Choice D is incorrect because a dash suggests a more dramatic break than needed here.