Question

(A) NO CHANGE (B) connection, that changes the young academic's trajectory in unexpected ways. (C) connection that changes, the young academic's trajectory, in unexpected ways. (D) connection that changes the young academics' trajectory, in unexpected ways.

Short answer

The correct answer is (A) NO CHANGE.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Subject and Verb

The main subject of the sentence is 'connection,' and it is followed by the descriptive clause that explains how this connection changes the young academic's trajectory. So, we need to ensure a proper relationship between the subject and the verb is maintained.

Analyze the Clause Relationship

The clause that follows the word 'connection' is restrictive, meaning it is essential to the meaning of the sentence and does not require commas to separate it. Therefore, the sentence should flow without breaks in the main clause.

Check Each Option for Comma Placement

Option A uses commas correctly by not breaking up the sentence unnecessarily. Option B incorrectly places a comma before 'that.' Option C incorrectly places commas breaking the clause. Option D incorrectly pluralizes 'academic,' which changes the meaning and incorrectly uses commas.

Evaluate the Correctness of the Subject's Number

'Academic' should be singular as per the context, referring to one person. Option D makes 'academics' plural, which is incorrect for this context.

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

Understanding sentence structure is like learning the rules to a game; once you know them, forming sentences becomes much easier. A well-structured sentence has a clear subject, a verb, and conveys a complete thought without leaving the reader questioning what is meant. This is crucial because it ensures the communication is effective and precise.
The subject is the main focus of the sentence. In our example exercise, the subject is 'connection.' The verb describes the action or state of the subject, which is 'changes' in the example. For a sentence to make sense, the subject and verb relationship must be clear.
It's also important to understand clauses, which are groups of words containing both a subject and a predicate. In the exercise, the clause "that changes the young academic's trajectory in unexpected ways" provides essential information, making it a restrictive clause, as we'll explain in more detail later.

• A subject should be clearly blamed to avoid confusion.
• The verb needs to match the subject in number and tense.
• Clauses can be dependent or independent, affecting how they fit into the sentence.

By mastering sentence structure, your writing becomes more understandable and engaging to your reader.

Punctuation

Punctuation is a tool to guide readers through the nuances of your writing. Accurate punctuation ensures clarity, prevents misunderstandings, and helps to convey the intended tone.
In our exercise, knowing where to place commas is essential. Commas are used to indicate a pause or to separate elements within a sentence. However, their misuse can lead to grammatical errors and alter the meaning of a sentence.
For our example, Option A is the only correct choice because it places commas correctly. In sentences with restrictive clauses, like "connection that changes the young academic's trajectory," no commas are needed because the clause is essential to the meaning. Any unnecessary commas would disrupt the sentence’s flow and clarity.

• Commas may signify a parenthetical statement or separate items in a list.
  
• Use a comma before conjunctions like 'and' or 'but' when they join two independent clauses.
  
• Remember that correct punctuation maintains the logic of your sentence.

Proper punctuation signals your reader the importance of what's written and helps underscore your message effectively.

Restrictive Clauses

Restrictive clauses, sometimes known as essential clauses, provide crucial information about a noun or phrase. They are vital because they define what or who we are specifically talking about, and using them correctly ensures precision in communication.
A restrictive clause directly follows the noun it describes without being preceded by a comma. For example, in the sentence "connection that changes the young academic's trajectory," the restrictive clause "that changes the young academic's trajectory" is crucial. Removing it would alter the entire meaning of the sentence.
Here's why this matters: missing this type of detail can lead to confusion, as it leaves ambiguity about which specific thing is being discussed.

• Restrictive clauses are essential for providing the necessary details.
  
• They are not offset by commas, as doing so implies that the information is optional, which is incorrect.
  
• They help eliminate ambiguity and precisely define the noun in question.

By understanding and using restrictive clauses correctly, your sentences will be clearer, more informative, and more accurate.