Independent clauses

Case Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses joined without a conjunction. 

Run-on sentences are made up of two or more independent clauses or complete sentences placed together into one sentence without proper punctuation. For example ... 

Semicolons are used to connect two related independent clauses (i.e., sentences that can stand on their own). 

Semicolons ( ) are used in two ways to separate independent clauses and to separate the items in a list when those items contain commas. 

There are three ways to use semicolons to separate independent clauses. 

Second Case Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses that contain commas, even if the clauses are joined by a conjunction. 

Although she helped support each one of her brothers grand endeavors), followed by another dependent clause (but Orville and Wilbur Wright s sister Katherine was never truly perceived as a hero). Whenever a sentence starts with a dependent clause (your clue is it cannot stand alone and starts with although), it must be followed by an independent clause (a statement that grammatically can stand on its own). If it doesn t, this is called faulty subordination. By removing the but, as in choice d, your second clause becomes dependent, and the sentence is correct. 

The two independent clauses do not seem to have any reasonable relationship to each other. The addition of the right connecting word (while) is essential. 

Use a semicolon between independent clauses joined by conjunctive adverbs or transitional phrases such as that is , however , therefore , hence , indeed , accordingly , besides , and thus . 

Use a comma to separate two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. To remember the coordinating conjunctions, think of the acronym FANBOYS for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Always use one of the FANBOYS and a comma when you join two independent clauses. 

An independent clause looks like a complete sentence it contains a subject and a verb, and it makes sense by itself. 

Please note that however can never be used as a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses. Incorrect use of however most often results in a comma splice. 

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