English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses
Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify independent and dependent clauses within complex sentences.
Correctly use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses.
Correctly use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb to connect independent clauses.
Correctly use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses.
Correctly use a comma to separate an introductory dependent clause from an independent clause.
Revise sentences to correct comma splices and run-on sentences using semicolons and commas.
Apply proper punctuation to enhance clarity and sophistication in their argumentative essays and analytical writing.
Ever feel like your sentences are too short, or they just run on and on? 🏃♀️ Punctuation is like traffic control for your ideas, guiding your r...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ClauseA group of words that contains both a subject and a verb.She ran.
Independent ClauseA clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought.The bell rang.
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 for meaning.Because the bell rang.
Coordinating ConjunctionWords that connect two grammatically equal elements, such as two independent clauses. Remember FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.The students studied hard, **and** they passed the exam.
Conjunctive AdverbWords that connect two independent clauses and show a relationship between them (e.g., however, therefore, moreover, consequently). They are often followe...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Semicolon to Join Independent Clauses
Independent Clause; Independent Clause.
Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction. This shows a stronger connection than two separate sentences.
Semicolon with a Conjunctive Adverb
Independent Clause; Conjunctive Adverb, Independent Clause.
Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb (like 'however,' 'therefore,' 'moreover') that connects two independent clauses. Always follow the conjunctive adverb with a comma.
Comma with a Coordinating Conjunction
Independent Clause, Coordinating Conjunction Independent Clause.
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses. This prevents run-o...
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Challenging
Read this excerpt from an argumentative essay: '(1) The first source argues that technology isolates individuals. (2) It points to studies on social media use. (3) The second source, however, claims technology fosters new communities. (4) This source provides examples of online forums and collaborative projects.' Which sentence would be most improved by joining two independent clauses with a semicolon to enhance the connection between ideas?
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 3
C.Sentence 2
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
Which revision correctly punctuates all clauses in the following sentence for maximum clarity? 'When the experiment failed because the materials were contaminated the research team had to start over completely.'
A.When the experiment failed, because the materials were contaminated, the research team had to start over completely.
B.When the experiment failed because the materials were contaminated, the research team had to start over completely.
C.When the experiment failed; because the materials were contaminated, the research team had to start over completely.
D.When the experiment failed because the materials were contaminated; the research team had to start over completely.
Challenging
Analyze the error in this sentence: 'The protagonist faces many obstacles, this makes his eventual triumph more meaningful.' What is the most precise description of this grammatical error?
A.It is a run-on sentence because it lacks any punctuation between clauses.
B.It is an incorrect use of a semicolon because a comma is required.
C.It is a comma splice because two independent clauses are joined by only a comma.
D.It is a fragment because the second clause is not a complete thought.
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