SAT OwlTungsten has the highest melting point of any ______ it was long used for the filaments of incandescent light bulbs, which must withstand extremely high temperatures.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
metal, therefore,
metal therefore
metal; therefore,
metal, therefore;
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
The sentence contains two independent clauses, and "therefore" begins the second one. Because "therefore" is a conjunctive adverb, not a conjunction, it needs a semicolon before it and a comma after it. Choice A creates a comma splice, and choice D attaches "therefore" to the first clause.
Choice A looks correct because it sets off "therefore" with commas, but commas alone cannot join two independent clauses.
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