1. Compound Sentences can be
punctuated three different ways:
a. with
a comma + a coordinate conjunction (fanboy)
Ex. We love reading poetry, but we do not always understand it
Ex.
Wiglaf asked me to go to the prom,
and I said yes.
b.
with a semicolon only when the clauses relate clearly
Ex. She studied ten hours for her calculus
test; she earned an A on it.
Ex. Some students love poetry; others despise it.
c. with
a semicolon + a connector (conjunctive adverb) + a comma
Ex.
I would love to go out with you Friday night; however, I have too much homework
Ex.
She worked hard to learn Spanish;
she became fluent in the language, consequently.
2. Complex Sentences with an adverb clause can be punctuated two
different ways:
When
the adverb clause appears first,
before an independent clause, use a comma.
Ex. Before I took Mr. M’s class,
I used to enjoy English.
Ex. Whenever I see you, I
begin to feel ill.
The
comma is usually omitted when the adverb clause follows an independent clause.
Ex. I used to enjoy English before I
took Mr. M’s class.
Ex. I begin to feel ill whenever I see
you.
Exceptions include although, though, and even
though – they may have commas in either
case.
3. Complex sentences with an adjective clause can be punctuated two
different ways:
a. When
the adjective clause follows a specific noun or pronoun, use a comma after it.
Ex. She gave the money to Myrtle, who spent it on ice cream.
b. The
comma is omitted when the adjective clause follows a general noun.
Ex. She gave to money to a friend who spent it on ice cream.
