Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses

Key Notes :

✨ Use Semicolons and Commas to Separate Clauses ✨

What are Clauses?

A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate (verb).

Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a sentence.

• Example: 🌞 I enjoy reading books.

Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone; depends on another clause.

• Example: 📚 Because I enjoy reading books…

Using Commas (,)

Rule: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) to join two independent clauses.

✅ Example:

• I wanted to play outside, 🌳 but it started raining. 🌧️
• She loves ice cream 🍦, and he loves chocolate cake 🎂.

Tip: Think of a comma as a small pause ✋ in your sentence.

Using Semicolons (;)

Rule 1: Use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses without using a conjunction.

✅ Example:

• I have a math test tomorrow 📐; I need to study tonight.
• The sun was setting 🌇; the sky turned orange and pink.

Rule 2: Use semicolons to separate items in a list if the items already contain commas.

✅ Example:

• I visited Paris, France 🇫🇷; Rome, Italy 🇮🇹; and Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸.

Tip: Think of a semicolon as a “super comma” 💪 that connects ideas more strongly.

Quick Tips

• Use comma + conjunction for simple connections. ✅
• Use semicolon for strong connections or complex lists. ✅
• Don’t overuse! Too many semicolons can confuse readers. ⚠️
• Always check that both clauses joined by a semicolon can stand alone. 👀

Fun Examples 🌟

• I finished my homework ✏️; now I can play video games 🎮.
• She bought apples 🍎, oranges 🍊, and bananas 🍌; and he bought grapes 🍇, pears 🍐, and cherries 🍒.
• We wanted to go hiking 🥾, but the rain 🌧️ ruined our plans.

Let’s practice!