1. Comma vs Semicolons

2. Commas and compound sentences Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.

3. Independent Clause a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence. Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.

4. Dependent Clause a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word. When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz (What happened when he studied? The thought is incomplete.)

5. Coordinating Conjunctions There are 7 And, nor, yet, so, or, but, for When the second independent clause in a sentence begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

6. Semicolon Replaces the coordinating conjunction and comma Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz; it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

7. Common Errors Comma Splice A comma in between two independent clauses Solutions: add a coordinating conjunction, replace with a semicolon, make two separate sentences, add a dependent marker word in front of one clause to make it dependent Incorrect: I like this class, it is very interesting. Correct: I like this class. It is very interesting. (or) I like this class; it is very interesting. (or) I like this class, and it is very interesting. (or) I like this class because it is very interesting. (or) Because it is very interesting, I like this class.

8. Common Errors Run-on sentence Problem: Two independent clauses together without any punctuation Solutions: add a period, a semicolon, a comma and a coordinating conjunction Incorrect: My professor is intelligent I've learned a lot from her. Correct: My professor is intelligent. I've learned a lot from her. (or) My professor is intelligent; I've learned a lot from her. (or) My professor is intelligent, and I've learned a lot from her. (or) My professor is intelligent; moreover, I've learned a lot from her.

9. Common Errors Fragmented sentence Problem: treating a dependent clause or other incomplete thought as a complete sentence. Solutions: combine it with another sentence to make a complete thought, remove the dependent marker. Incorrect: Because I forgot the exam was today. Correct: Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn't study. (or) I forgot the exam was today.

10. Daily Grammar 1. Many companies make sugar-free soft drinks, which are flavored by synthetic chemicals the drinks usually contain only one or two calories per serving. 2. Mr. Leyland played the viola professionally for many years and he now conducts a community orchestra. 3. The crab grass was flourishing but the rest of the lawn, unfortunately, was dying. 4. The hill was covered with wildflowers it was a beautiful sight. 5. As I turned around, I heard a loud thump for the cat had upset the goldfish bowl.