Question

select the correct answer.
which sentence below correctly demonstrates the correct use of a semicolon?
a. queen victoria came forward to greet the maharini; kissing her not once, but twice.
b. queen victoria was a legendary figure, hence; the maharini was thrilled to meet her.
c. the maharini had no idea she would be going to england, thus; she was shocked when she found out.
d. the maharini felt nervous about going to a strange land; she felt certain that she would be stared at.

Explanation:

A semicolon is used to connect two independent (complete) clauses that are closely related in meaning.

• Option A: The second part after the semicolon is a participial phrase, not an independent clause, so the semicolon is misused.
• Option B: The semicolon incorrectly splits the conjunctive adverb "hence" from the clause it introduces; a comma should be used after "hence" instead.
• Option C: Similar to B, the semicolon incorrectly separates "thus" from its clause; a comma should follow "thus".
• Option D: Both parts before and after the semicolon are complete, independent clauses that share a related theme about the Maharini's feelings, so the semicolon is used correctly.

Answer:

D. The Maharini felt nervous about going to a strange land; she felt certain that she would be stared at.