If I connect two independent clauses with a semicolon, do the subjects of the two have to be the same?

ex: Their motivations varied and often intertwined; but, whether it was due to a desire for glory, wealth and power, knowledge, or religious converts, the entire worldview of Europe and Asia radically shifted after these expeditions. Answer First, semicolons come between two interdependent clauses. Second, “but” is a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions introduce coordinate clauses. … Read more

Should I use WHICH or BY WHICH?

“Photosynthesis is the process —- green plants and certain other organisms use the energy of light to convert carbon dioxide and water into the simple glucose.” It seems “which” is more correct. But answer is “by which”. Can you explain to me? Other question: “The materials from which soil form is called parent material.” In … Read more

In what cases can we begin noun clauses with a preposition?

In what cases can we begin noun clauses with a preposition? Is there any rule? My examples (sorry if they are bad): 1. You need to choose with what you agree and with what not. 2. Don’t tell him what to do. He knows with whom to work and with whom not to work and … Read more

Alternatives for expression “is that”

For example, The key benefit of using A is that you can make even more money. The problem is that you have to do it by yourself. Are there any better alternatives for expressing is that? I’m using is that clause too many times in a paper, and starting to be sick, to be honest. … Read more

parsing a relative clause “the gravitas she felt was appropriate to her office”

I came across the following sentence: The head of the committee never failed to carry herself with the gravitas she felt was appropriate to her office. I feel that this construction came from “she felt the gravitas was appropriate to her office”, but here “the gravitas” seems to be the subject of a noun clause, … Read more