answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

what is the main reason for connectining independent clauses with a semicolon

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the main reason for connecting independent clauses with a semicolon?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about English Language Arts

How is a semicolon used in English sentences?

On some occasions, a writer may decide to use a semicolon to conjoin two sentences together, instead of forming a new sentence. The reason being is that the two sentences are closely linked, for instance 'The sky seems cloudy; indicating a high possibility of precipitation'.


What is the difference between a comma splice and a fused sentence?

A comma splice and a fused sentence are essentially the same thing: they are both incorrectly punctuating two independent clauses if not two sentences. An example of a comma splice would be: I need to do my homework, the assignment is due tomorrow. The reason this is a comma splice is because the comma is too "weak" to hold the two independent clauses together. You can correct the sentence in the following ways: I need to do my homework; the assignment is due tomorrow. I need to do my homework, and the assignment is due tomorrow. I need to do my homework. The assignment is do tomorrow. I need to do my homework because the assignment is due tomorrow. Fixing comma splices really depends on what it is that you are trying to say, but the constant factor is that there is a comma being used to separate two independent clauses, and a comma can never do that. The difference between a comma splice and a fused sentence is that while a comma splice uses a comma incorrectly to separate two independent clauses, fused sentences don't use any punctuation, and so the sentence literally becomes "fused". Take the previous example: I need to do my homework the assignment is due tomorrow. If you are still having trouble understanding comma splices and fused sentences, try looking up and studying the following terms: -Dependent Clause -Independent Clause -Coordinating Conjunction -Subordinating Conjunction -How to use a semi-colon -When to use a comma


What is an independent clause?

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand on their own as a sentence. Something like "Johnny ate the apples." An independent clause has to have the same requirements as a sentence (Subject and verb), and has to be able to stand alone.The reason it isn't the same thing as a sentence is that we discuss independent and dependent clauses as parts of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Therefore, the sentence could be "Johnny ate the apples, which prevented mom from making her famous apple pie." "Johnny ate the apples" is still an independent clause, but it is part of a larger sentence (in this case it is joined to a dependent clause and the sentence is a complex sentence).If the sentence were joined to another independent clause, the sentence would be compound (and yes, you can have compound-complex sentences, which require at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause).An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone by itself. It is basically a simple sentence, For example : "I went to the movies." it is a simple sentence.Example 2: "I went to the movies, because I did not want to stay at home.""I went to the movies" is an independent clause, because it can stand alone and at the same time make sense. While "because I did not want to stay at home." is a dependent clause because it does not make sense when it is alone.


4 kinds of structures sentences and its meaning?

simple, compound, complex, complex-compoundDetailed Answer:TYPES OF SENTENCES ACCORDINGTO STRUCTURE:CLASSIFICATION (SORTS) OF SENTENCES1.A simple sentence:A sentence that contains one independent clause and no subordinate clause.I bought some books yesterday. Pakistan exports rice.Students, teachers, and the Principal of our college went on a picnic by bus early in the morning. (one verb/one thought)2.A compound sentence:A sentence that contains two independent clauses of equal rank. (These clauses are generally joined with a comma and a co-ordinating conjunction- and, but, nor, or, for, and yet.)Man is guided by reason, and beast by instinct.She normally lives here, but she goes to Murree in summer.He didn’t write me a letter, nor did he come to see me.3.A complex sentence:It contains one independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses.I know that you are a student.The manwho was sitting under the tree was watching us.He told usthat he could not buy stamps because they were out of stock.I saw her when she arrived.Where ignorance is bliss,it is folly to be wise.Clauses in Boldare main and underlined are subordinate)4.A compound-complex sentence:A sentence consisting of two or more independent clauses and one or more subordinate clauses.We saw a family of elephants, but they didn’t notice our presencebecause we were hiding behind bushes.While we were crossing the river,we looked into the clear water and saw a huge fish, that was swimming towards us.(An Extract From Gondal English Grammar & Composition for Degree Classes by Prof. Muhammad Aslam Gondal)


Explain broadly the difference between a simple sentence a compound sentence and a complex sentence?

A simple sentence consists of one clause. It can be:a statement: I like ice cream (positive) John doesn't like ice cream. (negative).a question:Do you like ice cream? (yes/no question).Who likes ice cream? (With question word)you like ice cream? (using intonation)an imperative: Stand up! Don't walk on the grass.an exclamation: What a noise! Ouch!

Related questions

Does a semicolon replace a comma?

A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related, while a comma is used to separate elements or clauses within a sentence. So, a semicolon can sometimes replace a comma when connecting two closely related independent clauses.


Can a semi colon be used after the word however?

In some cases, yes. It's usually a bad idea, however; the more common usage is for the semicolon to precede the word. It may help to ask yourself "would this still make sense if the semicolon were a period?" If so, then the semicolon is probably in the right place. There's really no reason to ever use a semicolon if you don't know how to do it properly. 99 44/100 % of the time a period will work almost as well. (The 0.56% where it won't? Programming languages.)


How do you properly us a semicolon?

A semicolon joins two independent clauses (an independent clause is basically something that could stand alone as a sentence) that are linked in subject in some way. So... Joe was sad; his dog died. That is a correct way to use a semicolon, although Joe was sad. His dog died. and Joe was sad that his dog had died. are also just as correct. However, Joe was sad; Eleanor was excited to be moving to Israel. would only be correct if Eleanor's impending travel is the reason for Joe's sadness. If they are relatively unrelated people and you are just discussing their different emotions, then making them two separate sentences is less confusing. Remember... you should never use a semicolon in place of a comma or other punctuation. You can only use it in the place of a period, and then only if the sentences are very closely related. ; You will find the answer to your question in the Related Link below.


What do you use a semicolon for?

A semicolon is used: a) When two complete sentences are too closely connected to be separated by a full stop but do not make sense if they are put in one sentence. E.g: "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." b) When a list is compiled and the items are several words long. (When the items in the list are only one word long each, commas are used instead). E.g: (instead of bread, butter, eggs, milk.) White French baguette; soft whipped butter; organic English eggs; one pint of semi- skimmed milk. Hope that helps :) x Different answer: A semicolon is more important than a comma and less important than a period. You should always defer to periods and commas if possible. There is no reason not to use commas in the example above using multi-words such as soft whipped butter. Commas will do fine. They separate the sections of the sentence. If you use other punctuation in the sentence then semicolons can divide up those sections. That would probably be the most common usage. Such as: The recipe uses soft whipped butter, salt, and green tapioca in the first addition; apples, oranges, and purple honeydew in the second addition; and Limburger cheese, tomatoes, and fuzzy peaches in the last addition. My old Macmillan Handbook of English has three uses for a semicolon: 1. A semicolon is used between the co-ordinate clauses of a compound sentence when they are not joined by one of the co-ordinating conjunctions. 2. A semicolon is used between the co-ordinate clauses of a compound sentence with one of the following conjunctive adverbs: therefore, however, hence, accordingly, furthermore, nevertheless, and consequently. 3. A semicolon is used between the clauses of a compound sentence joined by a co-ordinating conjunction when the clauses are long and when they contain other punctuation, or when a more distinct pause than the comma would give is desirable. Chief co-ordinating conjuctions are: and, for, but, or, nor, yet.


Is for a coordinating conjunction?

Yes, "for" is a coordinating conjunction used to introduce a reason or explanation in a sentence.


Were should colons and semi-colons go?

Colons are typically used to introduce a list or explain further information. They are placed after an independent clause. Semi-colons are used to separate two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction. They are positioned between the clauses.


Is for a subordinating conjunction?

Yes, "for" can function as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a dependent clause, indicating the reason or cause for the action in the main clause. Ex: "He studied hard, for he wanted to pass the exam."


Is because a conjunction?

No, "because" is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a dependent clause explaining the reason for the main clause.


Types of clauses in English grammar?

Noun Clauses: in square brackets eg 1. [That my brother broke your window] is no fault of mine 2. the detective found [that the jewels had been stolen] Adjective Clauses: eg. 1. These are the books [that you asked us to bring] 2. It was Mary [who won the prize] Adverb Clauses. These are of Time, Place, Reason, Purpose, Manner, Comparison or Degree, Result, Condition and Concession eg 1. Time. [ When the oven is hot enough] place the food inside. 2. Place. Fools rush in [where angels fear to tread] 3. Reason. I grounded him [because he arrived home at two am] 4 Purpose He shouted [so that the coastguard could hear him] 5 Manner. You must place your feet [as the teacher is showing you.] 6 Comparison. Your eyes are the same colour [as Mary's are] 7. Result. Jill was so long getting ready [that her husband left without her] 8. Condition. [If your attitude does not improve] you will be expelled 9. Concession. I quite like him [though his manners are dreadful]


What is the definition of independent clause?

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand on their own as a sentence. Something like "Johnny ate the apples." An independent clause has to have the same requirements as a sentence (Subject and verb), and has to be able to stand alone.The reason it isn't the same thing as a sentence is that we discuss independent and dependent clauses as parts of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Therefore, the sentence could be "Johnny ate the apples, which prevented mom from making her famous apple pie." "Johnny ate the apples" is still an independent clause, but it is part of a larger sentence (in this case it is joined to a dependent clause and the sentence is a complex sentence).If the sentence were joined to another independent clause, the sentence would be compound (and yes, you can have compound-complex sentences, which require at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause).AnswerPart of a sentence that makes sense by itself. Here is an example. the italics is the independent clause.The dog ran very far across the beach.


What was the reason for these clauses when the treaty was written in 1919?

Study Island: to prevent another world war from occurring


How is a semicolon used in English sentences?

On some occasions, a writer may decide to use a semicolon to conjoin two sentences together, instead of forming a new sentence. The reason being is that the two sentences are closely linked, for instance 'The sky seems cloudy; indicating a high possibility of precipitation'.