Punctuation Exercise (323)
Each of the following sentences contains two independent clauses. Edit them to provide suitable punctuation.
Answers and Explanations
1.
Original: The campers looked wet and disheveled for their tents had blown away in the storm.
Correct : The campers looked wet and disheveled, for their tents had blown away in the storm.
Separate independent clauses with a comma when the coordinating conjunction is for.
2.
Original: The projector didn’t work however the speaker gave the lecture without slides.
Correct : The projector didn’t work; however, the speaker gave the lecture without slides.
Separate independent clauses with a semi-colon when using the conjunctive adverb however.
3.
Original: Our newest student is extremely disruptive we may have to send him back to the public school.
Correct : Our newest student is extremely disruptive; we may have to send him back to the public school.
Separate independent clauses with a semi-colon when no coordinating conjunction is used.
4.
Original: I start getting tired in the late afternoon so I try to get my work done before 4:00 p.m.
Correct : I start getting tired in the late afternoon, so I try to get my work done before 4:00 p.m.
Separate independent clauses when a comma when using the coordinating conjunction so.
5.
Original: I’m enjoying our conversation nevertheless I must leave now to pick up my child at school.
Correct : I’m enjoying our conversation; nevertheless, I must leave now to pick up my child at school.
Separate independent clauses with a semi-colon when using the conjunctive adverb nevertheless.
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