Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses

Key Notes :

Clauses in a Sentence

• Independent Clause: A complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence (e.g., “She went to the store”).
• Dependent Clause: A group of words that depends on an independent clause to make sense (e.g., “Because it was raining”).

Using Commas to Separate Clauses

Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS):

• When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So), use a comma before the conjunction.
• Example: “I wanted to go to the park, but it started to rain.”

Commas with Introductory Dependent Clauses:

• When a sentence begins with a dependent clause, place a comma after it.
• Example: “Although it was late, we decided to watch a movie.”

Using Semicolons to Separate Clauses

Semicolons between Independent Clauses:

• Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
• Example: “I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go to the party.”

Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs:

• When joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore, moreover), use a semicolon before the adverb and a comma after.
• Example: “I studied all night; however, I still felt unprepared for the exam.”

Avoiding Run-on Sentences

• Use commas or semicolons appropriately to prevent run-on sentences, where two independent clauses are improperly joined.
• Example of a run-on: “It was a nice day we went for a walk.”
• Corrected: “It was a nice day; we went for a walk.”

Summary of Comma vs. Semicolon Use

• Use commas with conjunctions (FANBOYS) or after introductory clauses.
• Use semicolons to connect two independent clauses or before conjunctive adverbs.

Let’s practice!