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Style Schmyle

by

The Conjunction Heads

And, Or and But

(mostly But)

 
    Question: Which example(s) is punctuated correctly?

    A)    This example is correct. It is punctuated according to the rules.
    B)    This example is correct; it is punctuated according to the rules.
    C)    This example is correct; therefore, it is punctuated according to the rules.
    D)    This example is correct. Therefore, it is punctuated according to the rules.
    E)    This example is correct, and it is punctuated according to the rules.
    F)    This example is correct; and it is punctuated according to the rules.

    Answer: It depends on who is grading your test, and which "style" rules they insist are actual engraved-in-stone ironclad, unequivocal English rules

    A)    This example is correct. It is punctuated according to the rules.

    Example A is undoubtedly correct. There are two independent clauses. They end with periods. This is the basic way to punctuate statements.  You can't get in trouble with this choice -- unless your teacher insists on Example B.

     B)    This example is correct; it is punctuated according to the rules.

    Example B is correct, if you believe that the two clauses are closely related. Some teachers would punctuate this example this way; others would not. It is one of the gray areas of English. It is up to you to decide how closely the clauses are related. It is a judgment call.

    C)    This example is correct; therefore, it is punctuated according to the rules.

    Example C is correct. The second clause now begins with the adverbial conjunction "therefore." Ordinarily, an independent clause that begins with an adverbial conjunction will be joined to the previous clause by using a semicolon. Some other adverbial conjunctions are: however, furthermore, consequently, accordingly, moreover.

    D)    This example is correct. Therefore, it is punctuated according to the rules.

    Example D is technically acceptable, but most English teachers will get mad at you if you punctuate like this. They admit that sentences may begin with an adverbial conjunction, but they don't like to do it. If either or both of the clauses are really, really long, then they may cave in.  Our example, however, is way too short for most teachers. 

    E)    This example is correct, and it is punctuated according to the rules.

    Example E is correct. This example contains the coordinating conjunction "and." The basic rule in this instance is that the two independent clauses should be joined by a comma. However, if both of the independent clauses contain five or fewer words, many teachers say that it is acceptable to leave out the comma. In fact, some teachers insist on leaving it out when both clauses are small.

    And still other teachers say that if just one of the clauses is small, then the comma can be omitted.  Consider the following sentence, and note the missing comma. "This example is correct and it is accepted." Many, many teachers would leave out the comma because both clauses are short. Now consider this one.  "This example is correct and it is the preferred method of some teachers."  Some teachers say that this sentence does not need a comma, but not as many as in the prior example.

     Punctuation was invented solely to clarify the meaning of the words.  Its purpose is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge.  If there is any chance at all that anyone anywhere will misinterpret, misread, or be forced to re-read the sentence, then your punctuation is suspect.

    We can't say this strongly enough:  Counting words is at best an inefficient tool that does not address the purpose of punctuation.  If you use this method, it cannot be your sole or main reason for your punctuation choices.

    F)    This example is correct; and it is punctuated according to the rules.

    Example F is correct, but just barely. You are really asking for trouble from your teacher if you punctuate this way. This is overkill. You don't need a semicolon here. A comma will suffice.

If one of the clauses was very long, then it would be acceptable to use a semicolon. This would be for the sake of clarity. The semicolon would absolutely let people know that they have reached a major dividing point.

Also, if one of the clauses contains any other comma, then many teachers will use a semicolon to separate the main clauses. This would also be for the sake of clarity. If you examine this sentence, you will see that it has a comma in the first clause; and that is why we used a semicolon to separate the independent clauses.

    A lot of the English "rules" that you learn are not really rules. They are style, and different teachers will demand different styles.

    So what should a good student do if even the mighty Conjunction Heads can't give you solid rules?

    You should follow the rules as set down by your school and by your teachers. There is no other way. Their style will be your style until you graduate.

    Guess what?

    Then you have to adopt the style of your firm, your state, your judge, etc.
 

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