Commas Semicolons and Conjunctions - How to use punctuation properly.

Kathleen Jasper

8 Dec 201704:09

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Dr. Jasper explains the proper use of commas and semicolons in English grammar. He clarifies that commas are used to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause, ensuring that the independent clause can stand alone as a sentence. Dr. Jasper provides examples to illustrate this, such as 'While I waited, I read my book.' He then contrasts this with semicolons, which are used to separate two independent clauses that can each form a complete sentence, as in 'I love ice cream; chocolate is my favorite.' Additionally, he discusses the use of a comma with a conjunction like 'but,' which can function similarly to a semicolon when connecting two independent clauses. The video serves as a helpful guide for understanding punctuation rules and improving writing skills.

Takeaways

📚 Commas are used to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause, ensuring that the independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
🔑 Dependent clauses are not complete sentences and require a comma to be set off from the independent clause.
✅ The rule of thumb for using a comma is that if you cover either side of the comma, there should be a full sentence.
📍 Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses, each of which can stand alone as a complete sentence.
👉 When using a semicolon, you should be able to cover one side and have a sentence, and cover the other side to reveal another complete sentence.
🍦 An example of using a semicolon is in the sentence 'I love ice cream; chocolate is my favorite,' where both clauses are standalone sentences.
✅ In more complex sentences, the use of a comma or semicolon depends on whether the clauses are dependent or independent.
💡 The use of a comma with a conjunction (like 'but') can function similarly to a semicolon, connecting two independent clauses.
⚠️ Be cautious with conjunctions like 'but,' 'and,' 'so,' 'yet,' or 'or'; they should be accompanied by a comma if they are connecting two independent clauses.
🔍 Always check that the part of the sentence following the conjunction is not an independent clause before using it without a comma.
📝 To review, commas separate dependent and independent clauses, semicolons separate two independent clauses, and a comma with a conjunction can act like a semicolon.

Q & A

What is the main difference between using a comma and a semicolon?
-A comma is used to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause, whereas a semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses.
What is a dependent clause?
-A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
How can you test if a comma is used correctly between a dependent and independent clause?
-You can test by covering up one side of the comma and checking if there is a full sentence on each side.
What is the role of a semicolon in a sentence?
-A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning.
Can you provide an example of a sentence using a semicolon?
-An example is 'I love ice cream; chocolate is my favorite.' Here, both 'I love ice cream' and 'chocolate is my favorite' are complete sentences that are connected by a semicolon.
What is the function of a conjunction when used with a comma?
-A conjunction with a comma can function like a semicolon by connecting two independent clauses.
Why is it important to use a comma with a conjunction when connecting two independent clauses?
-Using a comma with a conjunction ensures that the two independent clauses are correctly connected without creating a run-on sentence.
What are some conjunctions that can act like a semicolon?
-Conjunctions such as 'but,' 'so,' 'yet,' and 'for' can act like a semicolon when used with a comma.
How does the use of a comma with the conjunction 'although' differ from its use with 'and'?
-With 'although,' the comma is used to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause, whereas 'and' would connect two independent clauses, requiring a comma before it to function properly.
What is the correct punctuation to use when you have two independent clauses that are short and closely related?
-In such cases, a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or', etc.) can be used, as it functions similarly to a semicolon.
Can you give an example of a sentence where a semicolon is incorrectly used?
-An example of incorrect use would be 'She went to the store, bought some milk.' Here, a semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction, which is not correct.
How can one ensure they are using commas and semicolons correctly in their writing?
-One should ensure they understand the structure of the sentences they are writing, recognizing dependent and independent clauses, and apply the rules of comma and semicolon usage accordingly.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Commas vs. Semicolons: Usage and Examples

Dr. Jasper explains the difference between commas and semicolons. Commas are used to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause, ensuring that if one side of the comma is covered, a full sentence remains. Semicolons, on the other hand, are used to separate two independent clauses, each of which can stand alone as a complete sentence. The video provides examples to illustrate the correct use of these punctuation marks, such as 'while I waited, I read my book' for a comma and 'I love ice cream; chocolate is my favorite' for a semicolon. It also touches on the use of a comma with a conjunction functioning like a semicolon to connect two independent clauses.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Commas

Commas are punctuation marks used to separate dependent and independent clauses within a sentence. In the video, Dr. Jasper explains that commas are used to set off a dependent clause, which is not a complete sentence on its own, from an independent clause, which can stand alone. An example from the script is 'While I waited, I read my book,' where 'While I waited' is the dependent clause and 'I read my book' is the independent clause.

💡Dependent Clause

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. In the video, Dr. Jasper uses the example 'While I waited' to illustrate a dependent clause, which cannot be a sentence by itself and thus needs to be connected to an independent clause with a comma.

💡Independent Clause

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence. In the context of the video, Dr. Jasper points out that 'I read my book' is an independent clause because it can be a sentence on its own, with a subject 'I' and a predicate 'read my book.'

💡Semicolons

Semicolons are punctuation marks used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. According to the video, when a semicolon is used, each side of the semicolon can stand alone as a complete sentence. An example provided is 'I love ice cream; chocolate is my favorite,' where both clauses are independent and related.

💡Conjunctions

Conjunctions are words that connect clauses or sentences. In the video, Dr. Jasper discusses how certain conjunctions like 'but' can function similarly to a semicolon when they connect two independent clauses. The script includes an example: 'He knew he would get in trouble for skipping, but he did it anyway,' where 'but' is used to connect two independent clauses.

💡Intro Clause

An intro clause, also known as an introductory clause, is a type of dependent clause that comes at the beginning of a sentence. In the video, Dr. Jasper explains that these clauses should be set off with a comma, as they lead into the main independent clause. The script example 'Although she was tired, she went to the party' illustrates this, where 'Although she was tired' is the intro clause.

💡Complex Sentences

Complex sentences are those that contain at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Dr. Jasper discusses complex sentences in the context of using commas and semicolons to separate different types of clauses. The video aims to clarify the rules for using these punctuation marks in complex sentence structures.

💡Punctuation

Punctuation refers to the use of various marks and symbols in writing to structure and clarify the text's meaning. In the video, punctuation is central to the discussion, with a focus on the correct use of commas and semicolons in sentences. Proper punctuation helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the intended meaning is conveyed clearly.

💡Sentence Structure

Sentence structure is the arrangement of words and clauses in a sentence to convey meaning effectively. Dr. Jasper's discussion on commas and semicolons is directly related to understanding sentence structure, emphasizing the importance of using these punctuation marks to separate different parts of a sentence and ensure clarity.

💡Writing Clarity

Writing clarity is the quality of being easy to understand in written form. The video's main theme revolves around achieving clarity in writing by correctly using commas and semicolons. Dr. Jasper provides examples and explanations to help viewers understand how to use these punctuation marks to enhance the clarity of their sentences.

💡YouTube Channel

A YouTube channel is a platform where content creators share videos with their audience. In the video script, Dr. Jasper invites viewers to engage with the channel by leaving comments, suggesting topics for future videos, and subscribing for updates. The mention of the YouTube channel is a call to action for viewers to interact and follow for more educational content.

Highlights

Commas are used to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause.

Dependent clauses are not complete sentences and need to be set off by a comma.

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

When a dependent clause is followed by an independent clause, it should be bracketed by a comma.

Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses.

Each side of a semicolon should be able to stand alone as a complete sentence.

Complex sentences involving commas and semicolons are discussed with examples.

Introductory or dependent clauses are often followed by a comma.

Using a semicolon with a conjunction like 'but' can function like a semicolon to connect two independent clauses.

The conjunction 'but' must be accompanied by a comma to connect two independent clauses.

Conjunctions like 'and', 'so', 'yet', 'or' can act like a semicolon when followed by a comma.

It's important to ensure that the sentence structure is correct when using conjunctions with or without commas.

The video provides a review of when to use commas, semicolons, and conjunctions in sentences.

The presenter uses the example of 'I love ice cream; chocolate is my favorite' to illustrate the use of semicolons.

The example 'Although she was tired, she went to the party' demonstrates the proper use of a comma.

The video explains that a dependent clause cannot stand alone without an independent clause.

The presenter emphasizes the importance of punctuation in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence.

The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to suggest topics for future videos and to engage with the channel.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Compound-Complex Sentences: How to Write Them

How to Use the Comma— part 1: conjunctions (and, but, etc.)

All About Noun Clauses

Writing - Misplaced Modifiers

Comma Rules (Part 2)

Subordinating Conjunctions

Commas Semicolons and Conjunctions - How to use punctuation properly.

Takeaways

Q & A

What is the main difference between using a comma and a semicolon?

What is a dependent clause?

How can you test if a comma is used correctly between a dependent and independent clause?

What is the role of a semicolon in a sentence?

Can you provide an example of a sentence using a semicolon?

What is the function of a conjunction when used with a comma?

Why is it important to use a comma with a conjunction when connecting two independent clauses?

What are some conjunctions that can act like a semicolon?

How does the use of a comma with the conjunction 'although' differ from its use with 'and'?

What is the correct punctuation to use when you have two independent clauses that are short and closely related?

Can you give an example of a sentence where a semicolon is incorrectly used?

How can one ensure they are using commas and semicolons correctly in their writing?