SAT Reading & Writing · Boundaries
The lab's newest microscope can resolve details invisible to older equipment ______ individual protein molecules within a living cell.
The lab's newest microscope can resolve details invisible to older equipment ______ individual protein molecules within a living cell.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Answer and explanation
Answer: B: :
"Individual protein molecules within a living cell" specifies exactly what kind of detail the microscope can resolve, functioning as an elaboration of the preceding complete statement, which is the role a colon plays. A comma would treat this specifying detail as a minor aside instead of a direct elaboration. "So" would incorrectly suggest a cause-and-result relationship instead of a specifying one. "But" introduces an unwarranted contrast where none exists.
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