Writing Center
The LBCC
Punctuation Pattern Sheet
Sentences are complete when they have a subject, verb, and a complete thought.
[Independent clause].
Semicolons can act to separate two independent clauses in a sentence.
[Independent clause]; [independent clause].
Semicolons can be used with transitional expressions.
[Independent clause]; therefore, [independent clause].
[Independent clause]; however, [independent clause].
[Independent clause]; nevertheless, [independent clause].
[Independent clause]; consequently, [independent clause].
[Independent clause]; furthermore, [independent clause].
[Independent clause]; moreover, [independent clause].
Coordinating Conjunctions can be used to combine two independent clauses.
You can remember these with the acronym BOYSFAN.
[Independent clause], but [independent clause].
[Independent clause], or [independent clause].
[Independent clause], yet [independent clause].
[Independent clause], so [independent clause].
[Independent clause], for [independent clause].
[Independent clause], and [independent clause].
[Independent clause], nor [independent clause].
Short phrases (with explanations or interjections) can be inserted if surrounded by commas.
[Independent clause], his heart beating wildly, [clause].
[Independent clause], of course, [clause].
[Independent clause], on the other hand, [clause].
[Independent clause], it seems, [clause].
[Independent clause], who knows me well, [clause].
Subordinating Conjunctions can start a sentence and are followed by a comma.
If [dependent clause], [independent clause].
Because [dependent clause], [independent clause].
Since [dependent clause], [independent clause].
When [dependent clause], [independent clause].
While [dependent clause], [independent clause].
Although [dependent clause], [independent clause].
After [dependent clause], [independent clause].
Even before [dependent clause], [independent clause].
Subordinating Conjunctions can be used within a sentence, without commas.
[Independent clause] if [dependent clause].
[Independent clause] because [dependent clause].
[Independent clause] since [dependent clause].
[Independent clause] when [dependent clause].
[Independent clause] while [dependent clause].
[Independent clause] although [dependent clause].
Copyright © 2009 by The Writing Center and Linn-Benton Community College. All rights reserved.
[Independent clause] after [dependent clause].
[Independent clause] even before [dependent clause].
Colon and Commas – List of items
[Independent clause]: {item A}, {item B}, and {item C}.
Commas with quotations:
“The Martians are coming,” he said.
He said, “The Martians are coming.”
“The Martians,” he said, “are coming.”
“The Martians are coming,” he said. “Let’s go meet them.”
Who said (that) the Martians are coming?
Who said, “The Martians are coming”?
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