Rule 3. Commas between independent clauses

An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb and could stand alone as a sentence. When two independent clauses are joined by one of the seven coordinating conjunctions--and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet--separate the two independent clauses with a comma.

Nearly everyone has heard of love at first sight, but I fell in love at first song.

In this example, but is the coordinating conjunction. Since both phrases are independent clauses, add a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

  • nearly everyone has heard of love at first sight.
  • I fell in love at first song.

Nearly everyone has heard of love at first but not love at first song.

 In this example, but is the coordinating conjunction. Since both phrases are not independent clauses, you do not add a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

  • nearly everyone has heard of love at first sight
  • love at first song.

Practice:

  1. My interest in criminal justice started in high school and developed through a variety of summer jobs.
  2. I am very eager to have to opportunity work within the legal field and I hope to pursue a career as a lawyer.
  3. I have an excellent employment record and consider myself to be a hard worker.
  4. I would like to go to the movies with you tonight but I have to study for an exam.
  5. The team has a disappointing record but it is still fun to watch their games.
  6. I am eager to work in the New York City area but I do not have a car.
  7. I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts and I will graduate in May 2006.
  8. I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts and will graduate in May 2006.

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