English & Language Usage · Conventions of standard English
Punctuation
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Use punctuation to express sentence structure and meaning.
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Start with Clause Structure
An independent clause contains a subject and finite verb and expresses a complete thought. A dependent clause normally also has a subject and verb, but a subordinating word makes it unable to stand alone: because the office closed. A phrase lacks a complete subject-finite-verb pairing: after the meeting.
Use a comma plus a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon between independent clauses. Use a comma after an introductory dependent clause. Worked example: Although the forecast changed, the event continued begins with a dependent clause. In The forecast changed, the event continued, both parts are independent, so the comma alone creates a comma splice.
Why This Matters: Use language structure and context to choose clear, accurate sentences in academic and everyday writing.
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