Reading and Writing · 24 · Punctuation
Stop Punctuation
Notes
Key points
- Stops join two independent clauses: period, semicolon, comma + FANBOYS.
- All three do the same job — if one works, so do the others.
- Comma splice: two independent clauses with only a comma — always wrong.
- Run-on: two independent clauses with nothing between — always wrong.
- A semicolon needs a full sentence on both sides.
- however / therefore between clauses: ; however, or . However,
Rules
Two sentences: period or semicolon, not a comma alone.
The storm passed; the sky cleared.
The storm passed, the sky cleared.
Comma + FANBOYS also joins two sentences.
The storm passed, and the sky cleared.
The storm passed and, the sky cleared.
Semicolon: complete sentence on both sides.
She trained for months; she won easily.
She trained for months; winning easily.
Conjunctive adverb between clauses: semicolon before, comma after.
Prices rose; however, sales grew.
Prices rose, however, sales grew.
Common traps
- Missing a splice when the second clause starts with “this”, “it” or “however”.
- Using a semicolon where one side is only a phrase or a dependent clause.
SAT tip
Period and semicolon do the same job: if two choices differ only by those, eliminate both.
Test yourself
10 official SAT questions on Stop Punctuation, easiest first.