Multiple choice

Directions: In the given question, select the option that expresses the central idea in the most clear,x concise and correct manner.

  1. Initially we were skeptical about his abilities, afterwards it occurred to us that she could be a very articulate and diplomatic negotiator.

  2. Initially we were skeptical about his abilities, yet she could be a very articulate and diplomatic negotiator.

  3. Initially we were skeptical about his abilities, but we came to realize that she could be a very articulate and diplomatic negotiator.

  4. Initially we were skeptical about his abilities, we concluded, however, that she could be a very articulate and diplomatic negotiator.

  5. Initially we were skeptical about his abilities, then we decided that she could be a very articulate and diplomatic negotiator.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This is an example of a run-on sentence, containing two independent clauses that are not properly joined. The two portions before and after the comma are independent clauses. A comma by itself is not sufficient to separate two independent clauses; rather, a coordinating conjunction like and, but, yet, for, or, or nor must be used between the comma and the second independent clause. Choice (3) provides such a conjunction at the beginning of the second clause. Choice (2) also uses 'yet', but omits important parts of the statement. Choices (1), (4) and (5) are run-on sentences.  Answer: (3)

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