Commas and Semicolons

A punctuation mark used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

A punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

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

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

A group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

To connect closely related independent clauses and to improve the flow of the writing.

A comma is used to separate items in a list, before a coordinating conjunction, or after an introductory phrase.

A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance (e.g., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Yes, a semicolon can replace a conjunction when connecting two closely related independent clauses.

I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.