Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses?

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses?

• A. The plan was approved; remains to be implemented.
• B. The plan was approved; it remains to be implemented.
• C. The plan was approved, it remains to be implemented.
• D. The plan was approved, and it remains to be implemented.

Answer: (B)

Using a semicolon correctly links two independent clauses, treating them as closely related parts of one thought. In this sentence, both parts have their own subject and verb: “The plan was approved” and “it remains to be implemented.” The semicolon joins them without a conjunction, showing the direct connection between the plan’s approval and what follows. The other forms fail for specific reasons: one leaves the second part as a fragment after the semicolon, since it lacks a clear subject; another uses a comma to connect two independent clauses, creating a comma splice; and the last uses a comma plus a coordinating conjunction instead of a semicolon, which doesn’t demonstrate the semicolon usage being tested.

Using a semicolon correctly links two independent clauses, treating them as closely related parts of one thought. In this sentence, both parts have their own subject and verb: “The plan was approved” and “it remains to be implemented.” The semicolon joins them without a conjunction, showing the direct connection between the plan’s approval and what follows.

The other forms fail for specific reasons: one leaves the second part as a fragment after the semicolon, since it lacks a clear subject; another uses a comma to connect two independent clauses, creating a comma splice; and the last uses a comma plus a coordinating conjunction instead of a semicolon, which doesn’t demonstrate the semicolon usage being tested.