The expedition included geologists from MIT, Cambridge _______ biologists from Stanford, California _______ and oceanographers from Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
, Cambridge, biologists from Stanford, California,
, Cambridge: biologists from Stanford, California:
, Cambridge; biologists from Stanford, California;
Cambridge—biologists from Stanford, California—
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. This question tests semicolon usage in a complex series.
- Context clues: List items contain internal commas (institutions with locations).
- Meaning: Use semicolons between items when those items contain commas.
- Verify: "geologists from MIT, Cambridge; biologists from Stanford, California; and oceanographers..." clearly separates.
💡 Strategy: When list items have internal commas, use semicolons as "super commas."
Choice A is incorrect because only commas creates confusion. Choice B is incorrect because colons don't separate list items. Choice D is incorrect because dashes don't function as list separators.