Punctuation in Types of Sentences

Learning rules for how and when to punctuate a sentence can be difficult, especially when you consider that different types of sentences call for different types of punctuation. This handout should help to clarify not only the types of sentences, but also what punctuation to use in what situation.

Punctuation in Types of Sentences

Independent clause: a clause that has a subject and a verb and can stand alone; a complete sentence

Dependent clause: a clause that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone; an incomplete sentence

Simple: composed of 1 independent clause. No standard punctuation.

Compound: composed of 2 or more independent clauses.

Join 2 independent clauses by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, nor, so).

Road construction can be inconvenient, but it is necessary.

Join 2 independent clauses by a colon when you wish to emphasize the second clause.

Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel around town: parts of Main, Fifth, and West Street are closed during the construction.

Join 2 independent clauses by a semicolon when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis.

Road construction in Dallas has hindered travel around town; streets have become covered with bulldozers, trucks, and cones.

Complex: composed of 1 or more dependent clauses and 1 or more independent clauses. Join an introductory dependent clause with the independent clause by a comma.

Because road construction has hindered travel around town, many people have opted to ride bicycles or walk to work.

Many people have opted to ride bicycles or walk to work because road construction has hindered travel around town.

Compound-Complex: composed of 1 or more dependent clauses and 2 or more independent clauses.

Join an introductory dependent clause with an independent clause with a comma. Separate 2 independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, nor, so).

When it is filtered, water is cleaner, and it tastes better.

Join an introductory dependent clause with an independent clause with a comma. Separate 2 independent clauses by a colon when you wish to emphasize the second clause.

Whenever it is possible, you should filter your water: filtered water is cleaner and tastes better.

Join an introductory dependent clause with an independent clause with a comma. Separate 2 independent clauses by a semicolon when the second clause restates the first or when the two clauses are of equal emphasis.

When it is filtered, water is cleaner and tastes better; all things considered, it is better for you.

Commas vs. Semicolons in Compound Sentences

A group of words containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought is called a sentence or an independent clause. Sometimes, an independent clause stands alone as a sentence, and sometimes two independent clauses are linked together into what is called a compound sentence. Depending on the circumstances, one of two different punctuation marks can be used between the independent clauses in a compound sentence: a comma or a semicolon. The choice is yours.

Comma

Use a comma after the first independent clause when you link two independent clauses with one of the following coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet. For example:

I am going home, and I intend to stay there.

It rained heavily during the afternoon, but we managed to have our picnic anyway.

They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark, so they decided to camp for the night.

Semicolon

Use a semicolon when you link two independent clauses with no connecting words. For example:

I am going home; I intend to stay there.

It rained heavily during the afternoon; we managed to have our picnic anyway.

They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; they decided to camp for the night.

You can also use a semicolon when you join two independent clauses together with one of the following conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc. For example:

I am going home; moreover, I intend to stay there.

It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we managed to have our picnic anyway.

They couldn't make it to the summit and back before dark; therefore, they decided to camp for the night.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30