Semi-colons and Fanboys Comma

Front

What is a semi-colon?

Back

A semi-colon (;) is a punctuation mark used to connect closely related ideas or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should you use a semi-colon?

Back

Use a semi-colon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

Can you use a semi-colon before a conjunction?

Back

No, a semi-colon should not be used before a conjunction like 'and' or 'but'.

Front

What is a FANBOYS comma?

Back

FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. A comma is used before these conjunctions when connecting two independent clauses.

Front

When do you need a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction?

Back

You need a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not express a complete thought.

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'Maria likes to drive but she hates paying for gas.'

Back

No, it should be 'Maria likes to drive, but she hates paying for gas.' with a comma before 'but'.

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'I was too shy to ask for help so I wandered around.'

Back

No, it should be 'I was too shy to ask for help, so I wandered around.' with a comma before 'so'.

Front

What punctuation is needed in the sentence: 'There was much excitement for a military plane was arriving.'?

Back

A comma is needed: 'There was much excitement, for a military plane was arriving.'