Punctuating Sentences

Slide 1 — Punctuating Sentences

Slide 2

By this time, you should understand the structure of various types of clauses in English.

You should know these terms: independent clause (IC), dependent clause (DC)

If not, please go back and review the page Types of Clauses.

Slide 3 — Transition Signals

When two or more clauses are put together in one sentence, they are separated by some punctuation and a transition word.

Transition signals may be used at the beginning of a clause.

Slide 4

Transition signals may be conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs, or subordinators.

In order to punctuate clauses correctly, it’s important for you to know which transition signals belong to which group.

Slide 5 — Types of Transition Signals

Conjunctions:
and
but
for
nor
or
so
yet

Conjunctive adverbs:
accordingly
also
as a result
besides
clearly
consequently
finally
first
for example
furthermore
hence
however
in addition
in contrast
in fact
in summary
instead
moreover
nevertheless
next
nonetheless
on the other hand
otherwise
still
that is
therefore
thus

Subordinators:
after
although
as
as soon as
because
before
even though
if
since
so that
though
unless
until
when
whether
while

Slide 6 — Conjunctions

These are also called “coordinating conjunctions.”

and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet.

Slide 7

Use a comma before a conjunction that separates 2 independent clauses (ICs).

IC, conjunction IC.

Slide 8 — Examples

Slide 9

Two independent clauses in one sentence with no transition signal between them should be separated by a semicolon.

IC; IC.

Often, the clauses separated by the semicolon are related or express related ideas. See the examples on the next slide.

Slide 10 — Examples

Slide 11 — Run-On Sentences

But note that if there is only a comma between the two clauses, you have a run-on sentence.

IC, IC.

Slide 12 — Activity Introduction

On the next few slides, you will see some sentences. Decide if each sentence has correct punctuation.

Example:

You can pay with cash, or you can use a credit card.

Correct
Incorrect

The correct answer is Correct.

Slides 13-22 — Multiple Choice Questions

Slide 23 — Conjunctive Adverbs

These words or phrases are also called “sentence connectors.”

accordingly, also, as a result, besides, clearly, consequently, finally, first, for example, furthermore, hence, however, in addition, in contrast, in fact, in summary, instead, moreover, nevertheless, next, nonetheless, on the other hand, otherwise, still, that is, therefore, thus

Slide 24

Use a semicolon before a conjunctive adverb that separates 2 independent clauses.

IC; conjunctive adverb, IC.

Use a comma after the conjunctive adverb.

Slide 25 — Examples

Slide 26

When there is a conjunctive adverb at the beginning of a sentence, use a comma after the conjunctive adverb.

Conjunctive adverb, IC.

Slide 27 — Examples

Slide 28 — Activity Introduction

Time for more practice! On the next few slides, decide if each sentence has correct punctuation.

Example:

On the other hand the professor gives easy exams.

Correct
Incorrect

The correct answer is Incorrect. A comma is needed after “hand.”

Slides 29-33 — Multiple Choice Questions

Slide 34 — Subordinators

These are also called “subordinating conjunctions.”

after, although, as, as soon as, because, before, even though, if, since, so that, though, unless, until, when whether, while

Slide 35

A subordinator introduces a dependent clause (DC).

Subordinator DC, IC.

When the DC comes first, separate it from the independent clause (IC) with a comma.

Slide 36 — Examples

Slide 37

IC subordinator DC.

When the IC comes first, there is no comma.

Slide 38 — Examples

Slide 39 — Activity Introduction

Time for more practice! On the next few slides, decide if each sentence has correct punctuation.

Example:
I will never trust Ted because he told me a lie.

Correct
Incorrect

The correct answer is Correct.

Slides 40-43 — Multiple Choice Questions

Slide 44 — Summary Slide