Question

In the following excerpt, why is a semicolon used? . . . it is very select; not many are given to employees,
A. There's only one dependent clause.
B. There are two dependent clauses present.
C. There are two independent clauses present.
D. There's no signal phrase present.

Answer 1

To answer this question, remember that an independent clause is a sentence that can stand on its own, and that a dependent clause cannot. When a semicolon appears, it means that either a comma OR a period can be used; therefore, both sentences must be capable of standing on their own, which is indicative of an independent clause, making the answer C.

Additionally, to check whether both of these sentences are independent clauses, ensure that both of these sentences make sense on their own. "It is very select." This makes sense and is grammatically correct, its independent. "Not many are given to employees." This also makes sense on its own, and is grammatically correct.

Basically, the answer is C, sorry for the essay XD