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Common Errors Workbook |
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Grammar |
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9. Main clauses connected with conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases |
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When main clauses are joined with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase, the sentence must be punctuated with a semicolon at the end of the first main clause. Using a comma instead of a semicolon results in a comma splice error. Follow these steps to punctuate the sentence correctly.
Identify the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase that joins the clauses.
Main clause 1: A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident
Conjunctive adverb: consequently
Main clause 2: many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.Main clause 1: A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident
Transitional phrase: in an effort to decrease accidents
Main clause 2: many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.
Insert a semicolon after the first main clause. Make sure there is a comma after the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.
A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident; consequently, many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.
A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident; in an effort to decrease accidents, many countries are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.
A variation on this pattern is to put the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase later in the second clause. In this case, the two clauses are still separated by a semicolon; the conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase is set off from the second clause with a pair of commas.
A driver using a cell phone is four times as likely to be in an accident; many countries, in an effort to decrease accidents, are banning the use of cell phones behind the wheel.
Remember: When main clauses are connected with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase, use a semicolon at the end of the first main clause.
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