Punctuating Independent Clauses Quiz

1. What is one correct way to join two independent clauses?

Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

Use only a comma between them.

Put nothing between them.

Use only the word and with no comma.

You can join two independent clauses with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction like and or but.

Explanation

You can join two independent clauses with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction like and or but.

2. Which sentence correctly joins two independent clauses?

I like to read, I do not like to write.

I like to read and I do not like to write.

I like to read, and I do not like to write.

I like to read; and I do not like to write.

Sentence C uses a comma plus the conjunction and between two complete ideas.

Explanation

Sentence C uses a comma plus the conjunction and between two complete ideas.

3. You should use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.

True

False

When two complete sentences are joined with a coordinating conjunction, a comma usually comes before the conjunction.

Explanation

When two complete sentences are joined with a coordinating conjunction, a comma usually comes before the conjunction.

4. A semicolon can correctly join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

True

False

A semicolon can stand between two related independent clauses in place of a period.

Explanation

A semicolon can stand between two related independent clauses in place of a period.

5. A punctuation mark that can join two related independent clauses without a conjunction is called a ________.

A semicolon (;) can join two related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Explanation

A semicolon (;) can join two related independent clauses without a conjunction.

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6. When two independent clauses are written together with no punctuation or conjunction, the result is called a ______-on sentence.

Two independent clauses with no joining punctuation or word make a run on sentence.

Explanation

Two independent clauses with no joining punctuation or word make a run on sentence.

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7. Which sentences correctly join two independent clauses?

She loves music, but she cannot play an instrument.

She loves music she cannot play an instrument.

I finished my homework; I watched TV.

I finished my homework, I watched TV.

The rain stopped, and the sun came out.

A, C, and E use a comma with a conjunction or a semicolon to join complete clauses.

Explanation

A, C, and E use a comma with a conjunction or a semicolon to join complete clauses.

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8. Which revision correctly fixes the run on sentence 'He was tired he went to bed early'?

He was tired, he went to bed early.

He was tired and went to bed early.

He was tired; he went to bed early.

He was tired because he went to bed early.

A semicolon between the two complete ideas makes two independent clauses correctly joined.

Explanation

A semicolon between the two complete ideas makes two independent clauses correctly joined.

9. Which sentence is a comma splice?

We went outside, and it was raining.

We went outside; it was raining.

We went outside it was raining.

We went outside, it was raining.

Sentence D uses only a comma between two independent clauses, which is a comma splice.

Explanation

Sentence D uses only a comma between two independent clauses, which is a comma splice.

10. You can fix a run on between two independent clauses by changing the comma to a period and making two sentences.

True

False

A period separates the two independent clauses into two complete sentences.

Explanation

A period separates the two independent clauses into two complete sentences.

11. Correct the sentence: 'She likes soccer she does not like basketball.' → 'She likes soccer, but she does not like ________.'

Adding a comma and but joins the two independent clauses smoothly.

Explanation

Adding a comma and but joins the two independent clauses smoothly.

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12. Which of these are run on sentences?

The dog barked, and the cat ran away.

The dog barked the cat ran away.

The dog barked, the cat ran away.

The dog barked; the cat ran away.

The dog barked and the cat ran away.

B has no joining punctuation, and C has only a comma, so both are incorrect joins of independent clauses.

Explanation

B has no joining punctuation, and C has only a comma, so both are incorrect joins of independent clauses.

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13. Which punctuation correctly completes the sentence: 'I wanted to call you ___ my phone battery was dead'?

, and

, but

; but

, because

The idea contrasts, so but with a comma before it correctly joins the two clauses.

Explanation

The idea contrasts, so but with a comma before it correctly joins the two clauses.

14. Using only a comma between two independent clauses is correct punctuation.

True

False

A single comma between independent clauses makes a comma splice, which is incorrect.

Explanation

A single comma between independent clauses makes a comma splice, which is incorrect.

15. A comma splice happens when two independent clauses are joined with just a ________.

A comma splice uses only a comma where stronger punctuation or a conjunction is needed.

Explanation

A comma splice uses only a comma where stronger punctuation or a conjunction is needed.

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16. Which coordinating conjunctions can follow a comma to correctly join two independent clauses?

And

Because

But

For

Although

And, but, and for are FANBOYS conjunctions that can join two independent clauses with a comma.

Explanation

And, but, and for are FANBOYS conjunctions that can join two independent clauses with a comma.

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17. Which is the best way to fix the sentence 'She loves music she cannot play an instrument.'?

She loves music, she cannot play an instrument.

She loves music but she cannot play an instrument.

She loves music, but she cannot play an instrument.

She loves music; but she cannot play an instrument.

Adding a comma and but between the two clauses correctly creates a compound sentence.

Explanation

Adding a comma and but between the two clauses correctly creates a compound sentence.

18. A semicolon usually goes before a coordinating conjunction like and or but.

True

False

A semicolon replaces a comma plus conjunction, so it does not normally go before the conjunction.

Explanation

A semicolon replaces a comma plus conjunction, so it does not normally go before the conjunction.

19. Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon and a transitional word to join two independent clauses?

I wanted to go; but however, it was late.

I wanted to go, however it was late.

I wanted to go; however, it was late.

I wanted to go however; it was late.

The pattern is independent clause; however, independent clause.

Explanation

The pattern is independent clause; however, independent clause.

20. Which statements describe a comma splice?

Two independent clauses joined with only a comma.

Two clauses joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

An error in punctuation between independent clauses.

Two independent clauses joined with a semicolon.

A type of run on sentence.

A comma splice is a type of run on where two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.

Explanation

A comma splice is a type of run on where two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.

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Master Comma Rules: Punctuating Independent Clauses Quiz