Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses
Key Notes
Use a comma to separate two complete sentences that are joined with a coordinating conjunction, such as and, or, but, or so. However, if the coordinating conjunction joins verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate, a comma should not be used.
- Wyatt was reserved around new people, but he was hardly shy.
- Wyatt was reserved around new people but was hardly shy.
Also use a comma after a dependent (or subordinate) clause if it is followed by a complete sentence. These dependent clauses usually start with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, although or because.
- Although Wyatt was reserved around new people, he was hardly shy.
Use a semicolon to connect two closely related sentences that are not joined with a coordinating conjunction.
- Wyatt was hardly shy; he was simply reserved around new people.
Also use a semicolon to connect two sentences that are joined with a conjunctive adverb, such as consequently, however or therefore.
- Wyatt was hardly shy; nevertheless, he was reserved around new people.
Learn with an example
Add a comma or semicolon if needed. Otherwise, submit the text without any additional punctuation.
- Although eating unagi—freshwater eel that has been grilled and served with sweet sauce on a bed of rice—is a summertime tradition in_____(japan) the species is now endangered.
The dependent clause (although eating unagi—freshwater eel that has been grilled and served with sweet sauce on a bed of rice—is a summertime tradition in Japan) comes before a complete sentence, so you should use a comma.
Add a comma or semicolon if needed. Otherwise, submit the text without any additional punctuation.
- After Richard visited his aunt in ____(paris) he couldn’t stop talking about the Musée d’Orsay, home to one of the most interesting art collections in the world.
The dependent clause (after Richard visited his aunt in Paris) comes before a complete sentence, so you should use a comma.
Add a comma or semicolon if needed. Otherwise, submit the text without any additional punctuation.
- Although eating unagi—freshwater eel that has been grilled and served with sweet sauce on a bed of rice—is a summertime tradition in____(japan) the species is now endangered.
The dependent clause (although eating unagi—freshwater eel that has been grilled and served with sweet sauce on a bed of rice—is a summertime tradition in Japan) comes before a complete sentence, so you should use a comma.
let’s practice!
