Here in this article we will find the rules of using comma between two independent clauses.
Before discussion of using comma between two independent clauses we must come to know first what is called an independent clause. An independent clause is a main clause having subject and predicate that can express complete meaning. We usually use commas that indicates a smaller break when we join two independent clauses. This is called comma splice.
We use commas to separate independent clause when these clauses are joined by coordinate conjunctions. A comma is used right before the conjunction. The coordinating conjunctions are and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet etc. The following sentences and explanations will show you how coordinating conjunctions are used to separate two independent clauses.
For examples –
1.The game was over, but the spectators refused to leave the stadium.
In the above example two independent clauses ‘The game was over’ and ‘the spectators refused to leave the stadium’ are joined by the coordinating conjunction ‘ but’. The comma is placed right before the conjunction but in order to separate the two independent clauses.
2. My friend has a cat, but it has a nasty temper.
In this example two independent clauses ‘my friend has a nasty cat’ and ‘it has a nasty temper’ are joined by the coordinating conjunction ‘but’ and it separates two independent clauses. A comma is also used right before the conjunction for the separation of the independent clauses.
Is comma required between two independent clauses?
Comma is a smaller break in a sentence. It is required to combine two independent clauses. When we make a compound sentence using the coordinating conjunctions FANBOYS i.e. for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so comma is needed to separate the independent clauses. So a comma is required between the two independent clauses.
For examples;-
1.Robi attended the class, and the class proved tremendously helpful.
The above example shows that two independent clauses ‘Robi attended the class’ and ‘the class proved tremendously helpful’ are joined by a coordinating conjunction ‘and’. The comma is used here to separate these two independent clauses.
2. The test is tomorrow, yet the boy has not studied for any of it.
The above example two independent clauses ‘the test is tomorrow’ and ‘the boy has not studied for any of it’ are joined with the help of the coordinating conjunction ‘yet’. Here the comma is used with the purpose to separate the independent clauses.
How to use comma between two independent clauses?
An independent clause standing on its own can express its full meaning. It does not anything to express its sense. The purpose of using comma between two independent clauses is to separate them. While using a comma we must keep in mind tot use it right before the coordinating conjunction. Then the meaning of the two independent clauses will make clear to the readers.
For examples;–
1.Puja and Paratima are planning to go to Digha, but I want to plan for Kolkata.
In this example the comma is used right before the coordinating conjunction ‘but’ to separate the independent clauses.
2. This is Soma’s last year in high school, so she likes to spend more time with her friends.
In this example two independent clauses ‘this is Soma’s last year in high school’ and ‘she likes to spend more time with her friends’ are joined by the coordinating conjunction ‘so’ in order to separate these two independent clauses. The comma is here used right before the conjunction.
When is comma used between two independent clauses?
Certainly there must be a comma between two independent clauses. If the independent clauses are long and are joined by a coordinating conjunction a comma must be used to separate them. Ideally these two independent clauses are two separate sentences it the conjunction is omitted.
For example;-
1.The teacher explained the answer clearly, yet the students did not seem to understand.
In this example we find that two independent clauses ’the teacher explained the answer clearly’ and ‘the students did not seem to understand’ are joined by the conjunction ‘yet’ .The comma separates these two independent clauses. When the conjunction ‘Yet’ is omitted the independent clauses become two separate sentences and can express full sense.
2. Yesterday was holiday,so she took her brother to the park.
In this above example two independent clauses ‘yesterday was holiday’ and ‘she took her brother to the park’ are joined by the conjunction ‘so.’ The comma separates the two independent clauses. Here the independent clauses will clearly express their meanings if the conjunction is omitted.
The following more examples and explanations will help you to realize the use of comma between two independent clauses very well.
1. Suman climbed up the tall tree ,and Sourav ran down the hill.
In this above example two independent clauses ‘suman climbed up the tall tree’ and ‘Sourav ran down the hill ‘ are joined by the coordinating conjunction ‘and’.
2. The test is tomorrow, yet the boy has not studied for any of it.
The above example two independent clauses ‘the test is tomorrow’ and ‘the boy has not studied for any of it’ are joined with the help of the coordinating conjunction ‘yet’. Here the comma is used with the purpose to separate the independent clauses.
3. I have always wanted to do something different with my hair, but I could not find enough time.
In the above example two independent clauses are joined with the help of the conjunction ‘but’ and a comma is used to separate them.
4. My friend Saheli came to my birthday party .but she did not have fun for her illness.
This example shows that two independent clauses ‘my friend Saheli came to my birthday party’ and ‘she did not have fun for her illness’ are joined by the conjunction ‘but’.
5.You think it is fine, but your friends think it is weired.
In the above example two independent clauses ‘you think it is fine’ and ‘your friends think it is weired’ are joined by the conjunction ‘but’. A comma is used right before the conjunction to separate them.
6. Ratan Biwas arrived at the station late, yet he boarded the train.
In the above example two independent clauses ‘Ratan Biswas arrived at the station late’ and ‘he boarded the train’ are joined by coordinating conjunction ‘yet’ with the object to separate the independent clauses.
7 My father is respected by all the villagers, for he is an honest man.
This example shows that two independent clauses ‘my father is respected by all the villagers’ and ‘he is an honest man’ are joined by the coordinating conjunction ‘for’.
8.We are out of the competition, so we are upset now.
The above example shows that two independent clauses ‘we are out of the competition’ and ‘we are upset now’ are joined by the coordinating conjunction ‘so’ and the comma separates the mentioned two independent clauses.
9. Ratan got coffee, but his friend Soumya got tea.
In this example two independent clauses ‘Ratan got coffee’ and ‘his friend Soumya got cofee’ are joined by the coordinating conjunction ‘but’ .The comma can separate the two independent clauses clearly.
10.My father has always wanted to visit America,but he has never made the trip.
In this example two independent clauses ‘my father has always wanted to visit America’ and ‘he has never made the trip’ are joined by using a coordinating conjunction ‘but’ and we will see the separation of the independent clauses for the comma.
Conclusion
Here in this article ‘use of comma between two independent clauses ‘ is explained by 3 facts. It is revealed that a comma is required between two independent clauses to separate them. We will surely learn here the use of comma while making compound sentences.
Read more about 21 Simple Independent Clause Examples.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.
