The Proper Use of Commas & Semicolons

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (fanboys) Commas Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (fanboys)

Examples: - She was tired, but she didn’t want to go to sleep. - It started to rain, so I brought out my umbrella. - I had on a sweater, yet it was still cold.

after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while Use commas after introductory clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main clause. Starting words for introductory clauses should be followed by a comma with words like… after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while

Examples: - While I was reading, the dog barked. - If you’re thirsty, drink some water. - When the weather gets warmer, we’ll go swimming. - After the show was over, she went home.

Semicolons - The purpose of a semicolon is to connect two independent clauses. - An independent clause means that it can stand alone as a sentence.

Examples: - The mailman came by my house today; he had a lot of mail. - My sister has many books; she likes to read and annotate them. - It was snowing; I got sick. - I’m going to school; I will study hard there.

Quiz Time! insert the conjunction! (fanboys) She disliked her desk, it was ugly. The class was neither interested, excited. My friend was hungry, she bought a sandwich. I bought a pizza, it was delicious. I wanted draw, I couldn’t find my pencil. He was angry, he still kept his temper.

Quiz Time! Insert the comma ! Because of his procrastination he received a bad grade. After the party everyone was extremely exhausted. When it is vacation I’m going to go surfing. While she was running she was carrying scissors. Since it was past their curfew the children were asleep. Although it was dreary outside I still went out.

Quiz Time! Insert the semicolon ! It was dark I turned on the lamp. My tea was delectable it was chamomile. I lost my coat it was purple. She has 4 cats they are soft. I had a dollar I spent it on a can of soda. My mom bought a cake I shared it with everyone .

The End!