The relationship between cell phone use and the incidence of brain tum

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION

The original sentence incorrectly uses a comma to join two independent clauses. As is the case with the two clauses in this sentence (“The relationship…is still unclear” and “this is because some studies show…while others do not”), independent clauses contain a subject and a verb and can stand alone as independent sentences. While semicolons can join two independent clauses, commas cannot. Further, “this is because” is unnecessarily wordy.

(A) This choice is incorrect as it repeats the original sentence.

(B) CORRECT. The semicolon correctly connects two independent clauses. Also, the singular verb “is” agrees in number with the singular subject “relationship.”

(C) The plural verb “are” does not agree in number with the singular subject “relationship.”

(D) While “is” agrees in number with the singular subject “relationship,” the colon is used incorrectly in this choice. Colons must be preceded by independent clauses. Independent clauses contain a subject and a verb and can stand alone as independent sentences. In this case, however, the colon is preceded by “The relationship…is still unclear because,” which is not a clause that can stand alone as an independent sentence.

(E) While the semicolon correctly connects two independent clauses, and while “is” agrees in number with the singular subject “relationship,” “the reason is that” is unnecessarily wordy. The more concise version in answer choice (B) is preferred.
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The relationship between cell phone use and the incidence of brain tumors is still unclear, this is because some studies show a causal relationship while others do not.


(A) is still unclear, this is because some studies show
Incorrect. In the above passage 'the relationship is the subject and is singular. Hence the use of 'is' is correct at the beginning of the underlined portion. But two independent clauses are separated by a single comma.

(B) is still unclear; some studies show
Incorrect. The above-mentioned errors are rectified but the second independent clause failed to present the reason for the first IC.

(C) are still unclear because some studies show
Incorrect. as discussed, usage of 'are' is incorrect

(D) is still unclear because: some studies show
Incorrect. 'because' followed by a colon is incorrect

(E) is still unclear; the reason is that some studies show
Correct Answer

Hi,
IMO B.

Rejitha A semi-colon can join two ICs. What follows a semi-colon often is a conjunctive adverb such as therefore, however etc. I believe "the reason is that" is not a conjunctive adverb.

The relationship between cell phone use and the incidence of brain tumors is still unclear; some studies show a causal relationship while others do not.

Using option B solves the issue. Both ICs could stand on their own and still related.
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Both B and E have the correct structure, but E seems too wordy, so pick B.

Not sure if it is fine to use semicolon to show the cause_effect relationship between the two clauses.

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I would go with B as well on the basis of concision. I don't see any structural issues in E either. But B is more concise than E.

Answer - B

singular subject the relationship ; option c is out
option A , D use , : which is incorrect usage
option B & E ; E is wordy B is correct ; usage is right ;
IMO B

Clearly the answer seems to be between B and E.

Both B and E have two independent clauses, the only difference is in the second clause of 'the reason is that'

Now, in my opinion, in B we know that second clause is related to the first clause but there is no word for relating them both.

Now in E we have this particular word 'that'. This word seems to be refering to the whole previous close, therefore relating them both.

Hence IMO answer should E.

But not sure if my reasoning is correct. Waiting for OA and OE
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I see B and E are the only valid ones, but I have this problem with B. A semi colon joins 2 independent but related clauses, is it not necessary to have "This is because/The reason is that" to exactly show what this relationship is? Are we not taking out some info from the original question? It is not really apparent from B that the reason for the first clause is the second clause.

Bunuel correct me if i m wrong but when i say "THIS IS BECAUSE..." the 2nd part of the sentence becomes a dependent clause right!
the reason to remove A acc to me is that saying "this is because .." is wordy and there are better alternatives.
and can u also shed some light on the use of "this" in this case ,what it specifically refers to

I'll give a shot: first, "this is because..." here is an independent clause so we are missing conjunction "and". Secondly "this" doesn't really refer to anything legitimately, although we all know "this" should refer to "The relationship... is still unclear". "This/that/those/these" normally don't stand alone and can't refer to the entire clause (with exceptions but very rarely tested)

Hello Experts,

It seems in Option B, there is no reference of 2nd IC to the 1st. After the semi-colon, how is the clause,"some studies show a causal relationship while others do not.", connected. Should we "between them" in the 2nd IC ?

Thanks,

I guess I should be more careful in choosing the options.
I picked E instead of B

Can someone shed light on the cause effect relationship used here? Is it correct to connect two ICs with semicolon, when the meaning of the sentence demands cause effect relationship? Why OA is Option B?

Regards
Vighnesh

Hello VIGHNESHKAMATH,

We hope this finds you well.

To answer your query, a semicolon can be used to join two clauses that convey a cause-effect relationship, if the relationship is logically implicit.

We hope this helps.
All the best!
Experts' Global Team
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For B, why wouldnt you use a colon instead of a semi colon? I felt a colon would be more appropriate.

Is/Are relates to relationship and not cell phone use and the incidence of brain tumors, so eliminate C as the verb should be singular.
(C) are still unclear because some studies show

Semi colon has two independent sentences so eliminate E
E) is still unclear; the reason is that some studies show

Colon is lists but after because is odd so eliminate D
(D) is still unclear because: some studies show

Again in D " ,this is" is redundant
(A) is still unclear, this is because some studies show

We're left with B- correct answer

you may have got the right answers but your reason for eliminating E is incorrect. semicolon can be used to connect two IC. Both the sentences in the option E are independent.
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