Question

question 5
choose the option that shows the correct semicolon and comma usage.

• the rent is expensive; moreover, the house is pretty small.
• the rent is expensive, moreover, the house is pretty small.
• the rent is expensive, moreover; the house is pretty small.
• the rent, is expensive, moreover the house is pretty small.

Explanation:

To determine correct punctuation, recall that a semicolon can separate two independent clauses, and transitional words like "moreover" are often preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma. The first option uses a semicolon before "moreover" (to separate the first independent clause from the transitional phrase - clause structure) and a comma after "moreover", which is correct. The other options misplace commas or semicolons: the second uses a comma instead of a semicolon before "moreover", the third misplaces the semicolon after "moreover", and the fourth has incorrect commas (including an unnecessary comma after "rent").

Answer:

A. The rent is expensive; moreover, the house is pretty small.