Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses

Learning Objectives Identify independent and dependent clauses in sentences. Correctly use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses. Correctly use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb to join independent clauses. Correctly use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses. Differentiate between situations requiring a semicolon and those requiring a comma to separate clauses. Revise sentences to correct errors in semicolon and comma usage when separating clauses. Ever wonder how to make your sentences flow smoothly, even when they contain multiple complete thoughts? 🤔 Punctuation is your secret weapon! In this lesson, you'll learn how to use semicolons and commas effectively to connect and separate different parts of your se...

TermDefinitionExample ClauseA group of words that contains both a subject and a verb.She sings. Independent ClauseA clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought.The dog barked loudly. Dependent ClauseA clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought; it relies on an independent clause.Because the dog barked loudly Semicolon (;)A punctuation mark used to connect two closely related independent clauses, or to separate items in a complex list.The rain poured down; the streets flooded quickly. Comma (,)A punctuation mark used for various purposes, including separating items in a list, setting off introductory elements, and joining independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction.I like apples...

Semicolon for Closely Related Independent Clauses Independent Clause; Independent Clause. Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning but are not connected by a coordinating conjunction. Think of it as a weaker period or a stronger comma. Semicolon with Conjunctive Adverbs Independent Clause; Conjunctive Adverb, Independent Clause. When you use a conjunctive adverb (like 'however,' 'therefore,' 'moreover') to connect two independent clauses, place a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. Comma with Coordinating Conjunctions Independent Clause, Coordinating Conjunction Independent Clause. Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)...