Semicolons and Commas in Compound and Complex Sentences

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should a semicolon be used?

Back

A semicolon should be used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, or to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma (,) is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should a comma be used in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma should be used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

Where should the comma be placed in the sentence: 'Although it was raining we still went for a walk.'?

Back

The comma should be placed after the word 'raining'.

Front

Where should the comma be placed in the sentence: 'I went to the store and I bought some groceries.'?

Back

The comma should be placed after the word 'store'.

Front

Is a semicolon needed in the sentence: 'Writing example sentences is difficult but no one will do it for me.'?

Back

No, a semicolon is not needed in this sentence.

Front

Where should the comma be placed in the sentence: 'I will go to the party if I finish my homework.'?

Back

There should not be a comma in this sentence.