Punctuation: Commas and Semicolons (SAT Writing)

Commas - When to Use

1. Items in a List (Series)

Use commas to separate 3+ items

✓ "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

Oxford comma (before "and"):

• SAT accepts with or without
• Be consistent!

2. Introductory Elements

Comma after introductory word/phrase/clause

✓ "However, the results were surprising." ✓ "After the game, we went home." ✓ "Because it was raining, we stayed inside."

Short introductions (3 words or less):

• Comma optional
• "On Monday we meet." (acceptable)

3. Independent Clauses with Coordinating Conjunction

FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So

Pattern: Independent clause , FANBOYS independent clause

✓ "I studied hard, and I passed the test." ✓ "She was tired, but she kept working."

Both clauses must be independent (could stand alone)!

❌ "I studied, and passed the test." (second part not independent) ✓ "I studied and passed the test." (no comma needed)

4. Non-Essential Information

Use commas to set off information that can be removed

✓ "My sister, who lives in Texas, is visiting."

• Remove "who lives in Texas" → sentence still works

✓ "The book, published in 1950, is rare."

Test: Remove the part between commas - does sentence still make sense?

5. Transitional Words/Phrases

Set off with commas:

✓ "The experiment, therefore, was a success." ✓ "Moreover, the findings were significant." ✓ "We need to leave, however, before noon."

Common transitions:

• however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless
• for example, in fact, on the other hand

Commas - When NOT to Use

1. Don't Separate Subject from Verb

❌ "The students in my class, are studying." ✓ "The students in my class are studying."

2. Don't Separate Verb from Object

❌ "She gave, her best effort." ✓ "She gave her best effort."

3. Don't Use Before "That"

❌ "I know, that you are right." ✓ "I know that you are right."

4. Don't Separate Compound Elements (Two Items)

❌ "I like pizza, and pasta." ✓ "I like pizza and pasta."

Only 2 items → no comma before "and" 3+ items → use commas

Semicolons - When to Use

1. Join Two Independent Clauses (No Conjunction)

Pattern: Independent clause ; independent clause

✓ "I studied hard; I passed the test." ✓ "The movie was long; we left early."

Alternative: Could use period instead

• "I studied hard**.** I passed the test."

When to choose semicolon:

• Ideas closely related
• Want to show connection

2. Before Transitional Word Between Clauses

Pattern: Clause ; transition**,** clause

✓ "I was tired; however, I kept working." ✓ "She studied; therefore, she passed."

Common transitions:

• however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless
• furthermore, consequently, otherwise
• for example, in fact

3. Separate Complex Items in List

When list items contain commas

✓ "I've lived in Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and Miami, Florida."

Without semicolons: Too confusing ❌ "Austin, Texas, Portland, Oregon, and Miami, Florida" (unclear!)

Semicolons - When NOT to Use

1. Don't Connect Independent and Dependent

❌ "I went home; because I was tired." ✓ "I went home because I was tired."

"Because I was tired" = dependent clause (can't stand alone)

2. Don't Use Before Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)

❌ "I studied; and I passed." ✓ "I studied, and I passed." (comma before FANBOYS)

OR: ✓ "I studied; I passed." (semicolon with no conjunction)

3. Don't Use to Introduce a List

❌ "I need; eggs, milk, and bread." ✓ "I need eggs, milk, and bread."

Use colon (:) to introduce list after complete sentence ✓ "I need three things: eggs, milk, and bread."

Comma vs. Semicolon vs. Period

Compare:

Period (.): Strongest separation

• Completely separate sentences
• ✓ "I studied. I passed."

Semicolon (;): Medium separation

• Connected ideas, both independent
• ✓ "I studied; I passed."

Comma + FANBOYS (,and): Weakest separation

• Connected with conjunction
• ✓ "I studied, and I passed."

All three can work - choose based on style and connection strength

SAT Comma Rules Summary

ALWAYS use commas:

1. Three or more items: A, B, and C
2. After intro element: "However, ..."
3. Before FANBOYS joining independent clauses
4. Around non-essential info: "My sister, who..., is..."
5. Around transitions: "The result, however, was..."

NEVER use commas:

1. Between subject and verb
2. Between verb and object
3. Before "that"
4. Before "and" with only 2 items
5. To fix run-on (need semicolon or period!)

SAT Semicolon Rules Summary

Use semicolon to:

1. Join two independent clauses (no conjunction)
2. Before transition joining clauses: ; however,
3. Separate complex list items

Don't use semicolon:

1. With dependent clause
2. Before FANBOYS (use comma)
3. To introduce list

SAT Strategies

Test Independence

Can both parts stand alone? → semicolon possible One dependent? → use comma or no punctuation

Check for FANBOYS

Has conjunction? → comma before it No conjunction? → semicolon or period

Look for Transitions

"however," "therefore," etc. → likely need semicolon before

Remove Non-Essential Info

If removing text in commas, sentence still works

Count Items

2 items → no comma before "and" 3+ items → use commas

SAT Tips

• Comma before FANBOYS joining two independent clauses
• Semicolon between two independent clauses (no conjunction)
• Semicolon before transition: ; however,
• Don't separate subject from verb with comma
• 3+ items → use commas in list
• Only 2 items → no comma before "and"
• Non-essential info → set off with commas
• Can both parts stand alone? → semicolon works
• Dependent clause? → no semicolon
• After intro phrase → comma
• "That" clauses → no comma before "that"
• Test: Remove text between commas - sentence should still work
• FANBOYS + comma OR semicolon alone (not both!)