Which of the following is a common use for commas?
Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.
Do I use a comma to separate two adjectives?
You should use a comma between two adjectives when they are coordinate adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are two or more adjectives that describe the same noun equally. Because coordinate adjectives are equally important, they are separated by a comma.
Do you put a comma between three adjectives?
Use a comma between consecutive coordinate adjectives. Don’t use a comma between cumulative adjectives. Coordinate adjectives modify a noun equally and separately. When coordinate, each adjective modifies the same noun separately and equally.
What is dependent and independent clause?
According to the Purdue OWL, an independent clause is “a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.” A dependent clause is “a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought.” Combining Two Independent Clauses.
How do you identify an independent clause?
Independent Clause Defined
- They have a subject – they tell the reader what the sentence is about.
- They have an action or predicate – they tell the reader what the subject is doing.
- They express a complete thought – something happened or was said.
What are two independent clauses?
Independent and Dependent Clauses: Coordination and Subordination
Coordinating Independent Clauses | ||
---|---|---|
Method 1 Semicolon | Independent clause | ; |
Method 2 Comma and coordinating conjunction | Independent clause | , for , and , nor , but , or , yet , so |
Can you separate two independent clauses with a comma?
Two independent clauses can also be joined into one compound sentence with a semicolon alone. Thus, it can separate two independent clauses by itself; a comma cannot separate two independent clauses unless it is followed by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
What are examples of independent clauses?
Independent Clause Examples
- I enjoy sitting by the fireplace and reading.
- Waiting to have my car’s oil changed is boring.
- She wants to travel the world and see wonderful sights.
- Our planets revolve around the sun.
- The professor always comes to class fully prepared.
- Hurricanes strengthen over warm waters.
How do you combine two independent clauses?
To combine two independent clauses (complete sentences), use a semicolon or a comma and conjunction. To attach a dependent clause, use a comma if it comes before the independent clause; use no comma if it comes after the independent clause, unless it is a “contrast word” (although, though, even though, whereas).
Can you combine 3 independent clauses?
When we take two or more independent clauses and join them together, we form a compound sentence. We usually connect the clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction, but you can also join them with a semicolon. Notice that there are three independent clauses in that example. The ducks quacked.
What major error is created when two independent clauses are separated only by a comma?
Run-on sentences can be divided into two types. The first occurs when a writer puts no mark of punctuation and no coordinating conjunction between independent clauses. The second is called a comma splice, which occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined by just a comma and no coordinating conjunction.
How do you connect three independent clauses?
(Compound sentences are sentences that have two (or three) independent clauses which are joined by one of the following conjunctions: for, nor, yet, so, and, but, or. The comma always appears just before the conjunction.
What contains an independent clause?
An independent clause contains a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but no complete thought. A SIMPLE SENTENCE has one independent clause.
What are 5 examples of compound sentences?
For example:
- She did not cheat on the test, for it was the wrong thing to do.
- I really need to go to work, but I am too sick to drive.
- I am counting my calories, yet I really want dessert.
- He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker.
- They got there early, and they got really good seats.
What is the main reason for connecting independent clauses with a semicolon?
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
Can a colon join two independent clauses?
Like a semicolon, a colon can connect two independent clauses, but it has several other uses as well. Colons, like semicolons, should be used sparingly.
What are some examples of semicolons?
Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.
How do you use a semicolon instead of an independent clause?
Semicolons with independent clauses Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
Can a semicolon connect an independent and dependent clause?
As we have stated above, semicolons can be used to join two complete sentences. Since a dependent clause does not express a complete thought, it is not a complete sentence and cannot be joined to your independent clause by a semicolon.
Is Thank you an independent clause?
Ask yourself this: Does “Thank you” form a complete thought? Yes, it does, which means that it’s a sentence, or independent clause. It has both a subject and verb. So you can, therefore, use a semicolon instead of a comma, but most people prefer the comma.
When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?
The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc.
Are semicolon tattoos cliche?
Yes. Another one. It has become a cliche, a bore, a drill for us. We joke about the predictability and lament the fact that people can’t seem to come up with a more original symbol for suicide awareness — maybe, we hope, one that would be more interesting to tattoo.
When should a semicolon be used examples?
A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I’ll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
What does a semicolon signify?
But to thousands affected by suicide, the semicolon has become an important signifier of survival. Thanks to Amy Bleuel, the often misunderstood symbol has morphed from a simple punctuation mark to a badge of pride for those who struggle with depression, suicide, addiction, anxiety, and self-injury.
What are the three semicolon rules?
Three Essential Semicolon Rules
- Rule 1: Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are closely related in theme.
- Rule 2: Use a semicolon before conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases that join independent clauses.
What three main things can semicolons replace when being used?
Semicolon Usage: The Three Functions of Semicolons in Written English
- Semicolons.
- Join two related independent clauses of equal emphasis.
- Join two independent clauses in which the second clause begins with an adverb or short parenthetical.
- Separate items that contain commas in a series.
How did Amy kill herself?
Bleuel died on March 23, 2017, aged 31; the cause of death was ruled as suicide. She was romantically involved with her partner David.
Can you use 3 semicolons in one sentence?
1 Answer. In general, for use in a list – yes.
Are semicolons used for lists?
Semicolons can be used to separate parts of a sentence. They can also separate two main clauses or grouped items in a list. Semicolons can also help to simplify lists by showing which items are grouped together.
What are the four uses of a semicolon?
Here are the rules for using semicolons correctly; we hope you’re taking notes.
- Semicolons Connect Related Independent Clauses.
- Delete the Conjunction When You Use a Semicolon.
- Use Semicolons in a Serial List.
- Use Semicolons With Conjunctive Adverbs.
- Use a Semicolon to Give a Wily Wink.