The following is a list of punctuation problems that students often encounter in academic writing.
Do not link independent clauses with just a comma.
- Incorrect: Giant squid are enigmatic creatures, marine biologists believe that they sometimes come into conflict with sperm whales.
- Correct: Giant squid are enigmatic creatures. Marine biologists believe that they sometimes come into conflict with sperm whales.
When linking independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb, remember to use a semi-colon and a comma.
- Incorrect: There are tens of thousands of species of ants, furthermore they make up approximately 20% of the Earth’s animal biomass.
- Correct: There are tens of thousands of species of ants; furthermore, they make up approximately 20% of the Earth’s animal biomass.
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