Punctuating Independent Clauses

Notice how one can connect independent clauses!!!

The day is cold.  The wind is howling.  (period)

The day is cold; the wind is howling.  (semi-colon)

The day is cold; moreover, the wind is howling. (transitional adverb)

*Transitional adverbs are connectors like however, moreover, then, therefore and nevertheless.

The day is cold, and the wind is howling. (comma and a coordinating conjunction)

*Coordinating conjunctions are the FANBOYS.  What are they again?

                                For   And   Nor   But   Or   Yet   So

Explain the punctuation in these sentences

Bob and Steve are howling.                                                                    Why no comma?           

Bob is cold and howling.                                                                         Why no comma?           

Bob walked in the house and up the stairs.                                            Why no comma?

Bob is howling at the moon and crying over spilt milk.                            Why no comma?           

Answer: One needs to use a comma ONLY when the coordinating conjunction is connecting independent clauses...and NOT when it’s connecting words or phrases like these examples.

What’s a comma splice error? 

Answer: When two independent clauses are improperly connected with just a comma. 

I love pizza  I will eat four whole pies

What’s a run-on sentence?

Answer: When two independent clauses just run together without any punctuation at all.

I love pizza,  I will eat four whole pies

Are these correct?  If not, fix the errors.  (answers below)

• 1. I enjoy tennis, therefore, I play often.

  2. I think about playing tennis it helps me sleep.

  3. My brother and my uncle enjoy playing tennis, and studying grammar.

  4. I enjoy tennis however my backhand is quite weak.

  5. I enjoy playing outside, so I get sad when it rains.

I. Here are more sentences to fix:

• 1. I am going to sing a song I hope you like it. 

1. I looked up at the sky, the stars were shining.

2. I really hate cigarette smoke it makes my clothing smell like an ashtray.

3. I couldn’t afford a new car however I bought one.

4. I bought a new car, nevertheless, I rarely drive.

5. I bought a new wristwatch, it speaks to me and receives email.

ANSWERS

1. I enjoy tennis; therefore, I play often.

2. I think about playing tennis, and it helps me sleep.  (one of many fixes)

3. My brother and my uncle enjoy playing tennis and studying grammar.  (no comma needed)

4. I enjoy tennis; however, my backhand is quite weak.

5. I enjoy playing outside, so I get sad when it rains.  (Correct!)