Question

A) NO CHANGE B) on; the C) on-the D) on, the

Short answer

The correct answer is A) NO CHANGE. The original sentence "They headed on the long journey across the country" is already correct and needs no alteration.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the sentence

First, we need to have the original sentence that needs correction. It is important to understand the context and structure of the sentence before choosing the right option among A), B), C), and D). Original sentence: "They headed on the long journey across the country."

Check Option A)

Option A) NO CHANGE In this option, there is no change to the original sentence. The sentence structure and meaning seem clear and correct. However, we need to evaluate the other options to be sure if this is the best one.

Check Option B)

Option B) on; the In this option, a semicolon is added between "on" and "the." The corrected sentence would be "They headed on; the long journey across the country." However, using a semicolon here does not provide the correct punctuation. Therefore, this option is not correct.

Check Option C)

Option C) on-the In this option, the words "on" and "the" are connected by a hyphen. The corrected sentence would be "They headed on-the long journey across the country." However, using a hyphen here does not create the correct structure. Therefore, this option is also not correct.

Check Option D)

Option D) on, the In this option, a comma is added between "on" and "the." The corrected sentence would be "They headed on, the long journey across the country." This does not provide the correct punctuation and disrupts the sentence flow. Therefore, this option is not correct.

Choose the correct option

After evaluating all the options, we can see that the original sentence is already correct, and there is no need to change it. Therefore, the answer is A) NO CHANGE; the sentence should remain as "They headed on the long journey across the country."

Key concepts

Punctuation Correction

Punctuation is like the traffic signals of writing. It guides readers through sentences by indicating pauses, stops, and the relationships between words and phrases. In the given exercise, understanding the role of punctuation is essential to choosing the correct option.
Options B, C, and D introduce punctuation marks like semicolons, hyphens, and commas in the sentence, but not all are suitable for the context.

• A **semicolon (;)** is typically used to link two independent but related clauses, not just words or phrases.
• A **hyphen (-)** joins words or splits a word at the end of a line. In this context, it does not logically connect "on" and "the."
• A **comma (,)** indicates a pause but can also separate items in a list. Its application between "on" and "the" is unnecessary as it disrupts the flow.

Hence, choosing the correct punctuation involves understanding its function and ensuring it contributes meaningfully to the sentence.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure refers to the way words, phrases, and clauses are organized in a sentence. It's crucial for maintaining clarity and ensuring that the intended message is conveyed to the reader effectively.
In this exercise, the original sentence "They headed on the long journey across the country" already possesses a simple and coherent structure. It follows a typical Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order:

• **Subject (They):** the doer of the action.
• **Verb (headed):** the action being performed.
• **Object (the long journey across the country):** what the action is directed at.

Simplicity in sentence structure enhances readability. Introducing unnecessary punctuation or restructuring the sentence can complicate the message, as seen in the options checked in the solution process.

Grammar Rules

Grammar rules are the backbone of effective communication in writing. They help ensure that sentences are both correct and easy to understand. This selectivity is pivotal in the exercise provided, where each option suggests an alteration to the original sentence:
Comprehending grammatical rules such as when a semicolon should connect clauses, or how a comma separates phrases, is key for efficient correction.
Punctuating correctly also means adhering to these rules. Here are some pointers:

• Correct use of punctuation aids clarity and integration of ideas.
• Avoid arbitrary insertion of punctuation marks that don’t follow established rules.
• Ensure the meaning remains intact with any punctuation choices.

When no errors exist, as in this exercise, recognizing that the existing sentence adheres to strong grammar principles is crucial to finding the optimal solution.