Independent clauses not joined by a coordinating conjunction
must be separated by a semicolon. As with that of comma splice,
this definition is deceptively complicated. Loosely translated,
it means that if you don't use and, but, for, nor, or, so, or
yet (the coordinating conjunctions) when joining two independent
clauses, you have to use a semicolon. (A semicolon is analogous
to a weak period; use it to join two sentences that work better
together than alone.) 1. This class is mind-numbing, I think I'm
going to pass out. [Incorrect: comma splice. Use a semicolon
instead: This class is mind-numbing; I think I'm going to pass
out. 2. The students had sat up most of the night studying;
however, they did not seem sleepier than usual. [This is
correct. Independent clauses here are not joined by a
coordinating conjunction; hence, they are separated by a
semicolon. However is a conjunctive adverb, and not to be
confused with a coordinating conjunction.] Some conjunctive
adverbs: WRITING Conference Hours: |Mon. - Th