Use semicolons and commas to separate clauses

Key Notes :

What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb.

• ✅ Independent Clause: Can stand alone as a sentence.
  Example: I went to school.
• 🔸 Dependent Clause: Cannot stand alone.
  Example: because it was raining

Using Commas to Separate Clauses (,)

A. Comma + Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)

Use a comma before these conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

💡 Formula:
IC , + FANBOYS + IC

✔️ Example:
I wanted to play outside, but it started to rain. 🌧️

B. Comma After Introductory Clause

Use a comma after a dependent clause placed at the beginning.

✔️ Example:
When the bell rang, the students rushed out. 🏃‍♂️

💥 Incorrect vs Correct:

🚫 Incorrect: I like pizza but my sister likes pasta.
✅ Correct: I like pizza, but my sister likes pasta. 🍕🍝

🚦 3. Using Semicolons to Separate Clauses (;)

✅ A. Semicolon Between Two Related Independent Clauses

Use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

💡 Formula:
IC ; IC

✔️ Example:
I studied for the test; I wanted to score high. 📚🏆

✅ B. Semicolon Before a Conjunctive Adverb or Linking Expression

Words like: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, nevertheless, for example

💡 Formula:
IC ; conjunctive adverb , IC

✔️ Example:
The movie was long; however, it was exciting. 🎬

💥 Incorrect vs Correct:

🚫 Incorrect: I wanted to go for a walk, however I was sick.
✅ Correct: I wanted to go for a walk; however, I was sick. 🤒🚶‍♂️

Quick Tips to Remember

Use	Symbol	When to Use	Emoji Trick
Comma (,)	With FANBOYS	Joins two clauses	🤝
Comma (,)	After dependent clause	Introductory part	🧠 ➡️
Semicolon (;)	Joins related sentences	No conjunction	🔗
Semicolon + Adverb	; however,	Linking ideas	🧲

Mini Practice

Choose the correct punctuation:

1. I wanted to sleep ___ I had homework.
2. It was raining ___ we went inside.
3. She loves dogs ___ however ___ she is allergic.

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Let’s practice!