13.1. Common Errors in Grammar and Punctuation http://www.ck12.org
For a definition and examples ofindependent clauses,see Chapter 12, Lesson 1. For a definition of and examples
ofcoordinating conjunction,see Chapter 12, Lesson 1.
In most cases, we only use semicolons to connect two independent clauses. Avoid using semicolons to separate
words or phrases from the independent clause.
Example 1- The roof of that car was covered in Astroturf; a strange sight!
Example 2- Quentin’s father gave him a golden pocket watch; which was a priceless family heirloom.
Use dashes to emphasize or set off a phrase, or use a comma to set off a phrase if you do not want to convey as much
emphasis.
Example 1- The roof of that car was covered in Astroturf—astrangesight!
Example 2- Quentin’s father gave him a golden pocket watch,whichwasapricelessfamilyheirloom.
See Chapter 13 to review the uses of thecomma, semicolon,anddash.
Review Questions
Each sentence has either a comma splice or sentence fragment. Correct comma splices by replacing them with
a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction. Correct sentence fragments by either omitting the semicolon
completely or replacing the semicolon with a comma or dash.
- I gave my mother a box of chocolates for her birthday, she was pleased.
- Susan was sitting off in the corner; without a care in the world.
- When they were kids they made homemade lemonade, they sold it for two bucks a pop.
- Without support from the president; the bill failed to make it through Congress.
- Construction continued unabated for more than two months, I wasn’t getting much sleep.
Passive Voice