Question

which revision correctly combines these two sentences?
mallory has two cats named salt and pepper. they like to take afternoon naps.
○ mallory has two cats named salt and pepper; and, they like to take afternoon naps.
○ mallory has two cats named salt and pepper; they like to take afternoon naps.
○ mallory has two cats named salt and pepper; and they like to take afternoon naps.
○ mallory has two cats named salt and pepper; they like to take afternoon naps.

Explanation:

When combining two independent clauses with a semicolon:

1. If using a coordinating conjunction (like "and") after the semicolon, the conjunction should be lowercase.
2. A semicolon alone can connect two related independent clauses without a conjunction.
3. Capitalizing the first word after a semicolon (unless it's a proper noun) is incorrect, as is capitalizing the conjunction after a semicolon.

• Option 1: Incorrect, "And" is unnecessarily capitalized after the semicolon.
• Option 2: Correct, the semicolon properly connects two related independent clauses.
• Option 3: While grammatically acceptable, it uses an unnecessary conjunction after the semicolon; Option 2 is more concise and follows standard punctuation rules more tightly for this structure.
• Option 4: Incorrect, "They" is unnecessarily capitalized after the semicolon.

Answer:

Mallory has two cats named Salt and Pepper; they like to take afternoon naps.