Punctuations
with Conjunctions
Two independent clauses in
a sentence must be separated by a comma and that goes for no matter what
conjunction is used. If the clauses attached by the conjunction can stand as
complete sentences, a comma must be used between them.
Examples:
o
I'm doing fine, but I have my own
struggles.
o
You were running the marathon, and I was
cheering you on.
o
My father was unsure of the result, though
he was keeping it together.
While
using the Subordinating Conjunctions to attach Dependent and Independent
Clauses in a sentence, there are two ways to construct these complex sentences and one of
them requires a comma separating the two clauses. The comma becomes an integral
part of the sentence when the Subordinating Conjunctions are placed at the
start of the sentence.
Examples:
o
(Comma) If you are going for gold, I'll come with you.
o
(No comma) I'll come with you if you are going for gold.
o
(Comma) Though we are running late, we can help you install your home
theatre.
o
(No comma) We can help you install your home theatre though we are running
late.
In the
case of Adverbial Conjunctions joining two independent clauses, the most common
punctuational practice is to use a semicolon before. It and a
comma after that while the two complete thoughts are situated on either side.
Some opt for two commas on both sides of the conjunction and there is another
practice to separate the two clauses with a period while the capitalized
conjunction starts the next sentence followed by a comma.
Examples:
o
Sam was worried about the rain; therefore,
she didn’t do her laundry today.
o
I was there with her 24/7. Moreover, I kept
a close eye on her every move.
o Matt was agitated, however, the rest of us were trying to convince him to stay.
AUTHOR
Dr L Suresh
Assistant Professor of English
Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of
Arts and Science
Coimbatore - 641020
Contact: 9944138137
e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in
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