Using punctuation in writing can be very confusing, especially in longer sentences that also include lists of items. This article will attempt to make this issue that so many inexperienced writers struggle with somewhat easier by presenting some rules and examples of correct usage of punctuation with conjunctions.
Most commonly used punctuation is certainly a comma “,” however, semicolon “;” as well as em dash “—” have their rightful and extremely useful place in writing. Thus, without a further ado, here are the rules and examples:
Comma
1. Commas are used to separate independent clauses when they are joined by either and, or, nor, for, so, but, or yet.
Example: She never liked her new job, nor did she try to get used to the change.
2. Commas are also used after introductory words, phrases or clauses that come before the main clause.
Example: While my sister was focused on doing her homework, I struggled to concentrate.
3. Pairs of commas are used to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence and could be omitted without affecting the sentence structure and meaning.
Example: Mary, the new girl in class, was proving to be very popular.
4. Commas are used to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in the sentence.
Example: Tom was friendly, kind, and trustworthy.
5. Commas are also used before phrases at the end of the sentence that refer to items in the sentence that are positioned earlier in the construct.
Example: Mum was waiting for my letter, keen to hear how I got on at University.
Semicolon
1. Semicolon is used to separate two sentences where the conjunction has been omitted. Example: Tom has finished his chores; he has always been a hard worker.
2. Semicolon is also used before introductory words, such as however, therefore, thus, whereas, whereby, for example, when they introduce a complete sentence. Following the rules on comma use given above, clearly, such words will be followed by a comma.
Example: I had done all I could; thus, all I could do was to sit and wait.
3. Semicolon is used to separate parts of a sentence when one or more also contain commas.
Example: Maria was learning math, which she liked very much; physics, which was more of her mother’s choice; and chemistry that occasionally gave her trouble.
4. Semicolon should also be used between sentences joined by a coordinating conjunction when one or more commas used in the preceding sentence might lead to confusion with respect to the meaning.
Example: If I do not meet the deadline, I will be in big trouble; and if I do, we can go and celebrate.
Em dash
The most common usage of “em dash” is in place of commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate an interruption, an abrupt change of topic, or for emphasis.
As a rule of a thumb, parentheses give the least importance to the items within, followed by commas, and finally the em dashes. However, em dashes are particularly useful when separating parts of the sentence that already contain punctuation, as this avoids confusion.
Example 1:
Parentheses
I have to take on board all items (books, puzzles, board games, etc.) that cannot fit in my suitcase.
Em dash
I have to take on board all items—books, puzzles, board games, etc.—that cannot fit in my suitcase.
Here, commas would not work, as the separated part of the sentence already contains a list; thus, using commas would lead to confusion.
Example 2:
Parentheses
Maya (who has always been a feisty girl) has decided to stand her ground.
Commas
Maya, who has always been a feisty girl, has decided to stand her ground.
Em dash
Maya—who has always been a feisty girl—has decided to stand her ground.
In this example, all three versions work well and which one to choose is a matter of desired emphasis.
