Which of these sentences uses correct punctuation?
A) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important, consequently, she cleared her schedule for the night.
B) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important, consequently; she cleared her schedule for the night.
C) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important, consequently she cleared her schedule for the night.
D) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important; consequently, she cleared her schedule for the night.
A) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important, consequently, she cleared her schedule for the night.
B) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important, consequently; she cleared her schedule for the night.
C) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important, consequently she cleared her schedule for the night.
D) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important; consequently, she cleared her schedule for the night.
1 Answer
D) Debbie knew that studying for her test was important; consequently, she cleared her schedule for the night.
Explanation:
D is correct because Debbie knew... and consequently, she... are two independent clauses; each one can stand as its own sentence with a subject and verb. One of the uses of semicolons is to join two independent clauses.
Options A, B, and C are all incorrect because they either treat the whole sentence as only having one independent clause (A and C) or they treat consequently as part of the first clause (B)-- which it shouldn't be.
(Debbie knew that studying for her test was important, consequently. She cleared her schedule for the night,
makes less sense than,
Debbie knew that studying for her test was important. Consequently, she cleared her schedule for the night.)
