Joining clauses: semicolons and conjunctions — Digital SAT Reading & Writing practice
Legal ways to connect two independent clauses.
Key ideas to know
Semicolon Rule for Independent Clauses
Which sentence correctly joins two complete thoughts? A) The sun set; we headed home. B) The sun set, we headed home. C) Because the sun set; we headed home.
A is correct. Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning.
Watch out: Using only a comma between two complete sentences creates a comma splice error.
FANBOYS and Comma Usage
Choose the correct punctuation for: The team practiced daily ___ they won the championship. A) ,and B) ;and C) ,because
A is correct. Precede a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) with a comma when it joins two independent clauses.
Watch out: Adding a semicolon before FANBOYS breaks the rule; use only a comma.
Punctuating Conjunctive Adverbs
How should you punctuate this transition? The data was incomplete; however, we proceeded with the analysis. What is the correct pattern for words like however, therefore, and consequently?
Use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it when connecting two independent clauses. Pattern: [clause]; [adverb], [clause].
Watch out: Using only a comma after the transition or omitting the semicolon before it creates a run-on or splice.
Dependent Clause Comma Rule
Which sentence correctly places punctuation with a subordinating conjunction? A) Although it rained, we played soccer. B) We played soccer; although it rained. C) Although it rained we played soccer.
A is correct. When a dependent clause introduced by words like although, because, or while comes first, follow it with a comma.
Watch out: Forgetting the comma after an introductory dependent clause violates standard convention and creates a run-on feel.
Semicolon Misuse with Dependent Clauses
Identify the error and fix it: The students studied hard; because the test was difficult. What is wrong here?
The semicolon incorrectly separates a dependent clause from its independent clause. Remove the semicolon to make one sentence.
Watch out: Semicolons only join independent clauses or items in a complex list. They cannot attach to dependent clauses starting with because, although, or while.
Sample questions
Question 1
The recipe calls for three ______ flour, sugar, and butter.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- ingredients:
- ingredients;
- ingredients
- ingredients,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: ingredients:
A colon introduces the list that follows a complete independent clause. A semicolon can't introduce a list, and omitting punctuation runs the list into the clause.
Question 2
The hurricane weakened as it moved ______ it still caused significant flooding along the coast.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- inland, however,
- inland; however,
- inland however
- inland, however
Show answer and explanation
Answer: inland; however,
Two independent clauses joined by the conjunctive adverb 'however' need a semicolon before it and a comma after: 'inland; however, it still caused...' A comma alone creates a comma splice.
Question 3
Marie Tharp's maps of the ocean floor revealed a rift valley running down the Mid-Atlantic ______ a discovery that helped confirm the theory of plate tectonics.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- Ridge. Was
- Ridge,
- Ridge, it was
- Ridge; being
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Ridge,
'A discovery that helped...' is an appositive renaming the revelation, so a comma is correct. 'It was' creates a comma splice; 'Was' makes a fragment.