With trembling hands, the archaeologist reached for the ___________ wanted to unlock the ancient tomb.
1
writingWhich choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
key she
B
key: she,
C
key; she
D
key, she,
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. A semicolon correctly separates the two independent clauses ("the archaeologist reached for the key" and "she wanted to unlock...").
Choice A is incorrect because it creates a run-on sentence. Choice B is incorrect because a colon is not used to join two unrelated independent clauses in this manner. Choice D is incorrect because it creates a comma splice.