Which types of punctuation are generally used to separate independent ...
In the United States, the rule of thumb is that commas and periods always go inside the quotation marks, and colons and semicolons (dashes as well) go outside: “There was a storm last night,” Paul said.
So, periods and semi colons are used to separate independent clauses in declarative sentences in academic writing.
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Which types of punctuation are generally used to separate independent ...
Independent Clauses in Declarative Sentences in Academic Writing
Independent clauses in declarative sentences in academic writing are typically separated by periods and semi-colons. This punctuation helps to clearly delineate the different ideas being presented in the text and maintain coherence and readability.
Periods
- Periods are commonly used to separate independent clauses that can stand alone as complete sentences. Each independent clause ends with a period, indicating a full stop and a new idea or thought.
Semi-colons
- Semi-colons are used to connect closely related independent clauses in a single sentence. They indicate a stronger separation than a comma but a weaker division than a period. In academic writing, semi-colons are often used to show a close relationship between two independent clauses.
Using periods and semi-colons to separate independent clauses in academic writing helps to improve the clarity of the text and guide the reader through complex ideas. By adhering to proper punctuation rules, writers can ensure that their writing is coherent, structured, and easy to follow.