Question

Select the correct answer.

Which of these sentences uses correct punctuation?
A.
Francis had a lot on his mind that afternoon, he was concerned about his mother’s illness and about losing his job.
B.
The packing instructions asked each camper to bring the following items; a flashlight, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, and a book for independent reading.
C.
In time, of course, all issues get resolved, but not necessarily in the way you would like.
D.
The king ordered that all his subjects should show their allegiance through common forms of attire: yet many people continue to wear the traditional hats of their various regions.

Answer 1

The answer is C. In time, of course, all issues get resolved, but not necessarily in the way you would like.

Step-by-step explanation:

Option A. is not the answer because it has two independent clauses improperly joined by a comma. For this sentence to have correct punctuation, the ( , he) would need to be changed to either ( ;he), ( , and he), or ( . He).

Option B. is not the answer because (the following items;) is incorrectly punctuated. The sentence should have a colon placed after "the following item" to be correctly punctuated. The colon is used to introduce a list of items after the use of the words as follows, the following, or similar expressions. A colon is not used when the listed items are incorporated into the flow of the sentence.

Option D. is not the answer because the colon is used incorrectly. For the sentence to be correctly punctuated, the colon needs to become a semicolon. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.

Thus, leaving Option C. as the correct answer to this question.