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Questions and Answers
What are the two types of clauses discussed?
Independent clauses and dependent clauses
What is the purpose of a semicolon?
To connect two complete thoughts or independent clauses
Which of the following is a correct way to connect two independent clauses?
You can use a comma to connect two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
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A colon can follow a phrase that is not an independent clause.
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A semicolon is like a ______.
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What is a comma splice?
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When should you use a semicolon in lists?
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What type of clause must precede a colon?
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Study Notes
Connecting Clauses
- Sentences consist of independent (complete) and dependent (incomplete) clauses.
- Varying sentence length and structure enhances text flow and avoids awkward syntax.
- Good syntax often goes unnoticed, while poor syntax is immediately noticeable.
Semicolons
- Semicolons connect two independent clauses, serving as a grammatical hinge.
- Both clauses must be able to stand alone as complete sentences.
- Semicolons ideally link related ideas, improving the flow of text.
- Ground rules for semicolon use:
- Connects two independent clauses.
- Replaceable with a period without altering meaning.
- Replaceable with coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Correct and Incorrect Usage of Semicolons
- Correct: Semicolon, coordinating conjunction, or period can connect independent clauses.
- Incorrect: Using a comma to connect independent clauses creates a comma splice.
- Example of incorrect usage: "...a semicolon is like a hinge, it connects two things."
Semicolons in Lists
- Used in lists containing commas to prevent confusion.
- Example where semicolons provide clarity:
- Incorrect: "I like cats; dogs; rabbits; and small horses."
- Correct: "I like cats, dogs, rabbits, and small horses."
- Lists with confusing items also benefit from semicolons for clarity.
Colons
- The clause before a colon must be independent and complete.
- The section following a colon can be a fragment or a single word.
- Think of a colon as an arrow pointing towards additional information or explanation.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the use of colons, semicolons, and addressing comma splices in sentence construction. It builds on concepts from Grammar One, emphasizing the connection of independent and dependent clauses. Enhance your writing by mastering these punctuation marks for better text flow.
