Boundaries: Punctuation and Sentence Structure

SAT Reading and Writing· difficulty 5/5

Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of particles at the smallest scales ______ classical physics breaks down entirely at this level, revealing a strange and counterintuitive reality.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  • A

    (empty)

  • B

    :

  • C

    ;

    check_circle
  • D

    , but,

Explanation

Both clauses are independent and equally weighted, with the second describing a related phenomenon. A semicolon best joins them. A colon would suggest the second clause defines or explains the first more directly; " " is a run-on; ", but," is over-punctuated.

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