APPLYING THE RULE
Correct Punctuation between Independent Clauses
3. The correct punctuation for joining two sentences is an "assisted" comma.
a semicolon ; [comma "assisted" by a period]
a comma with FANBOYS ,and [comma "assisted" by a coordinate conjunction*]
sentence Jerry went to a party ; he wrecked his car coming home.
sentence This exam is finished ,so you must turn in your papers.
sentence Everyone wants to go ; however, we don't have any money.
*Note: Use the word "FANBOYS" as a memory aid to help to remember these conjunctions.
For And Nor But Or Yet So
(because) (in addition) (negative choice) (contrast) (positive choice) (however) (result)
4. Study these correctly joined sentences. Each sentence is really two short sentences joined
to make one compound sentence. The punctuation occurs at the spot where the second
sentence joins the first. The punctuation "sticks" the sentences together.
sentence Maybe we should leave now; it's getting very late.
sentence Our team has won the game, so we are the new champs.
sentence Christmas will be here soon; therefore, we should begin our shopping.
sentence Christmas will be here soon; we should, therefore, begin our shopping.
Overview of Correctly Joined Independent Clauses
|
Correct |
The lightning flashed across the sky |
; |
the thunder roared menacingly. |
|
Correct |
The lightning flashed across the sky |
, and |
the thunder roared menacingly. |
|
Correct |
The lightning flashed across the sky |
; moreover, |
the thunder roared menacingly. |