Download Formula Definition Explanation Example S, conj S sentence comma

Punctuation Formulas
Formula
S, conj S
Definition
sentence comma
conjunction sentence
(compound sentence)
A, B, conj C
A, B, C noun
verb (phrase) comma verb
(phrase) comma
conjunction verb (phrase)
OR
noun (phrase) comma
noun (phrase) comma
conjunction noun (phrase)
adjective comma adjective
comma adjective noun
NP, APP,
noun phrase comma
appositive comma
Cor S, Cor S
correlative sentence,
correlative sentence
S; S
sentence semicolon
sentence
LB, S
left branch comma
sentence
Explanation
Place a comma before a coordinating
conjunction when two related independent
clauses (complete sentences) are to be joined
as one sentence. Two independent clauses
cannot be joined using only a comma.
In a series of three or more verbs or nouns
(phrases), use a comma after each term
before the conjunction.
Example
The situation is dangerous, but there is still
one way to escape.
He opened the letter, read it, and made a note
of its contents.
She ate an apple, banana, and an orange.
In a series of three or more adjectives
modifying a single noun, place a comma after
each adjective except the last adjective.
An appositive is a parenthetical expression
placed between commas after a noun. It
provides more information about that noun.
*An appositive may be placed at the end of a
sentence, and it is set off by a single comma.
Use correlative conjunctions to join two
independent sentences which each begin with
a correlative conjunction. Place a comma
after the first independent sentence before
the second correlative conjunction.
This may be used when two independent
clauses (complete sentences) are related in
topic. Two independent clauses cannot be
joined by using only a comma. A semicolon
takes the place of a comma and a conjunction.
The “left branch” is a subordinate clause and
depends on the rest of the sentence in order
to be considered complete. An independent
clause (complete sentence) follows the left
branch (subordinate clause) and comma.
Please do not be a mean, inconsiderate, selfish
person.
My brother, a well-known architect, is working
on plans for a new museum.
He is playing the guitar, my favorite
instrument.
Either he is going to eat pizza for lunch, or he is
going to be very hungry.
It is almost sunset; we cannot reach our
destination before dark.
Even though Joe is hungry, he does not want to
eat the hamburger.
Because she woke up late, Emily was tardy to
school.
Punctuation Formulas
Formula
S; SC, S
Definition
sentence semicolon
sentence connector comma
sentence
S:
sentence colon list of
particulars
Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)
for and nor but or yet so
Correlative Conjunctions
Either . . . or
Neither . . . nor
Not only . . . but
Sentence Connectors
Transitions
therefore
nevertheless
moreover
hence
indeed
however
consequently
on the other hand
Explanation
This is another way to combine related
sentences. Two independent clauses are
joined by a semicolon and a sentence
connector. Sentence connectors are
transitional words which connect the two
independent clauses.
Use a colon after an independent clause
(complete sentence) when it is followed by a
list of particulars.
Example
He did poorly in Algebra this year; therefore,
he will have to repeat the course.
A dedicated musician requires three things: an
instrument, time to practice, and inspiration.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions
after
To write a “left branch” (subordinate clause), start with a subordinating
although
conjunction followed by a subject and a verb. This clause is not a
as
sentence by itself. It is considered a fragment and is dependent on an
when
independent clause (complete sentence).
while
so that
if
even though
After he ran down the hallway
because
before
Because it was raining
until
Since Joey loves Italian food
unless
since
(meaning)
(for this reason)
(in spite of)
(besides, further, in addition to)
(as a result)
(truly)
(but, in spite of)
(as a result)
(looking at the other point of view)
While my parents are on vacation