Select the answer that contains the correct punctuation for the following sentence.

A diamond is the hardest natural substance it can scratch any other stone.

A. The sentence is correct.
B. ... substance, it can...
C. ... substance; it can...
D. ... substance; and, it can...

I'm stuck between B and C.

C is correct. You have two independent clauses in this sentence, so need a period or a semi-colon to separate them.

okay thanks!

You're welcome.

To determine the correct punctuation for the sentence, we need to consider how the two clauses, "A diamond is the hardest natural substance" and "it can scratch any other stone," are connected.

Option A (The sentence is correct) is incorrect because there is an issue with punctuation.

Option B (substance, it can) uses a comma to separate the two clauses, which creates a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma alone, without a coordinating conjunction. This option is therefore incorrect.

Option C (substance; it can) uses a semicolon to separate the two clauses. This is a correct use of punctuation. Semicolons are typically used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, which is the case here. Option C is the correct choice.

Option D (substance; and, it can) adds an unnecessary comma after "and." This comma is not needed because it separates a compound subject ("it can") from its verb ("scratch"). Therefore, option D is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C. The correct punctuation for the sentence is: "A diamond is the hardest natural substance; it can scratch any other stone."