Podcast
Questions and Answers
What punctuation should always follow an independent marker word when it begins a sentence?
What punctuation should always follow an independent marker word when it begins a sentence?
- Comma (correct)
- Period
- Semicolon
- Colon
Which of the following sentences correctly uses an independent marker word?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses an independent marker word?
- She was late; therefore, the meeting started without her. (correct)
- I like ice cream, however it melted too quickly.
- He ran quickly; however he still missed the bus.
- The dog barked; moreover the cat remained silent.
Which statement is false regarding independent clauses and independent marker words?
Which statement is false regarding independent clauses and independent marker words?
- No semicolon is needed if the marker does not separate two independent clauses.
- Independent markers require a semicolon if they follow another independent clause. (correct)
- All independent markers must be followed by a comma.
- An independent marker can start a sentence.
When should a semicolon be placed between two independent clauses?
When should a semicolon be placed between two independent clauses?
Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a comma in relation to an independent clause and a conjunction?
Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a comma in relation to an independent clause and a conjunction?
What punctuation should be used before a conjunction when separating two independent clauses?
What punctuation should be used before a conjunction when separating two independent clauses?
When should you avoid placing a comma in a sentence that contains a dependent clause?
When should you avoid placing a comma in a sentence that contains a dependent clause?
Which of the following is a common dependent marker word?
Which of the following is a common dependent marker word?
Which of these sentences correctly uses a semicolon?
Which of these sentences correctly uses a semicolon?
In the sentence 'After Brylee helped out with the nursing home games, she encouraged girls to help out too.', what type of clause is 'After Brylee helped out with the nursing home games'?
In the sentence 'After Brylee helped out with the nursing home games, she encouraged girls to help out too.', what type of clause is 'After Brylee helped out with the nursing home games'?
Which example demonstrates the correct use of commas in a series?
Which example demonstrates the correct use of commas in a series?
How should you express the idea of 'I went to the store, but I forgot something' using a semicolon?
How should you express the idea of 'I went to the store, but I forgot something' using a semicolon?
Which sentence correctly uses commas according to standard rules?
Which sentence correctly uses commas according to standard rules?
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Study Notes
Comma Usage
- Commas are essential in separating items in a series; a comma is required before the conjunction.
- Example: "I had to shower, brush my teeth, and get dressed."
- Avoid placing a comma after a conjunction (e.g., "and," "or," "but").
- In cases expressing cause, such as "because," do not use a comma before or after: "We were hungry because we got food with my friends."
Independent and Dependent Clauses
- Independent clauses are complete thoughts that can stand alone.
- A comma must be placed before the conjunction when two independent clauses are joined.
- Example: "Jane does meth, and Ethel doesn't have a job."
- Dependent clauses cannot stand alone, as they lack a complete thought and should not be preceded by a comma when following an independent clause.
- Example: "I went to the fair and bought tickets."
Common Dependent Markers
- Dependent marker words include: after, although, because, before, while, and whenever.
- A dependent marker at the beginning of a sentence turns the initial part into a dependent clause requiring a comma before an independent clause.
- Example: "Because Ava fell down the stairs, she has a large bruise."
Semicolons
- Semicolons can be used instead of a comma and conjunction to link two independent clauses.
- Use sparingly; typically, one or two per paragraph.
- Place them between independent clauses without a conjunction.
- Example: "Elijah didn't like the cafeteria food; he refused to eat it."
Independent Markers
- Independent marker words (e.g., also, however, therefore) connect independent clauses.
- Always use a comma after an independent marker when it's at the start of a sentence.
- To join sentences with an independent marker, use a semicolon.
- Example: "Betsy is a great person; therefore, I sat near her during the pep rally."
Summary of Usage
- Independent clause + conjunction + independent clause requires a comma.
- An independent clause followed by a dependent clause typically does not use a comma.
- Semicolons are placed between independent clauses without conjunctions.
- Independent marker words necessitate a comma after them.
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