Question

inquizitive
editing the details that matter (a comprehensive sentence-editing activity)
handbook page s-3b
edit the following statement to correct any errors. if the statement doesn’t contain any errors, click the “no errors” button.
drag the items below to the passage above to complete the question as instructed.
in 2014, the united states supreme court ruled bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, this
decision forced states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples who apply.
unconstitutional, consequently, this *
unconstitutional this *
unconstitutional; this *
unconstitutional. while this *
no errors

Explanation:

The original sentence has a comma splice (two independent clauses joined by just a comma). To correct it, we can use a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses, as they are related in meaning. The option "unconstitutional; this" properly fixes the comma splice by using a semicolon to connect the two clauses, showing the relationship between the court's ruling and the resulting action by states. Other options either create new errors (like "unconstitutional, consequently, this" which has a comma splice with "consequently" or "unconstitutional this" which is a run - on) or change the meaning (like "unconstitutional. While this" which introduces an unexpected contrast).

Answer:

unconstitutional; this