Explanation
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. The semicolon is correctly used to join the first main clause (“During the … life”) and the second main clause (“likewise … scenes”). Furthermore, the comma after the adverbial phrase “likewise” is correctly used to separate the adverbial phrase from the main clause (“some significant … scenes”) it modifies, logically indicating that the information in this clause (some significant artists from the earlier Realism period had a similar interest) is similar to the information in the previous clause (many painters were highly influenced by the emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color found in everyday life).
Choice A: It results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma cannot be used in this way to join two main clauses.
Choice B: An adverbial phrase cannot be used in this manner without a comma. Additionally, this answer lacks the proper punctuation to separate the first main clause from the second.
Choice C: A semicolon after “likewise” cannot be used to separate the adverbial phrase from the main clause.
✨ Expert's Tip ✨
- A period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) can be used to separate complete sentences.
- Keep in mind that two independent clauses cannot be joined by only a comma.
