A sentence or an independent clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It is a complete sentence in itself but may appear together with another independent clause. When two independent clauses are linked together, it is called a compound sentence. A comma or a semicolon can be used to connect the independent clauses in a compound sentence.
Joining Independent Clauses
Comma (,)
Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to join two independent clauses. Place the comma after the first independent clause and use an appropriate coordinating conjunction afterward.
Examples:
| I’m having a blast, and I don’t want it to end. |
| He was about to run out of gas, so he went straight to a gas station. |
| I was minding my own business at the coffee shop, and suddenly a strange lady started talking to me. |
Semicolon (;)
Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are closely related. No connecting word is necessary in this method.
Examples:
| She studied for her driving test for weeks; she felt confident for the exam the next day. |
| Belen adores her little niece; she is charming and delightful. |
| My father is an optometrist; he recommended I get a pair of reading glasses. |
Use a semicolon with any of these conjunctive adverbs (adverbs that join independent clauses): however, moreover, therefore, consequently, otherwise, nevertheless, thus, etc.
Examples:
| This activity aims to promote teamwork among colleagues; moreover, it is a good way to disconnect from their stressful daily tasks. |
| We plan to stay for another day; however, my husband is starting to feel a little sick. |
| He got injured during the game; therefore, the coach decided to replace him with another player. |