Grammar Rules – Punctuation & Clauses

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key punctuation and clause rules from the lecture notes.

Nonessential Clause Punctuation

Commas, em dashes, or parentheses used to set off information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So—paired with a comma to join two independent clauses.

Semicolon (;)

Links two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Period (.) between Clauses

Separates two independent clauses into distinct sentences.

Colon (:) or Dash (-) for Explanation

Introduces explanations, lists, or emphasis following an independent clause.

Oxford Comma

Mandatory comma before the final item in a list (e.g., red, white, and blue).

Double Commas for Appositives

Comma pair (or dashes/parentheses) that encloses nonessential appositive information (e.g., My dog, a golden retriever, is friendly).

Dependent → Independent Clause Rule

Use a comma when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause (e.g., Although it was raining, we went outside).