What punctuation mark is used between the parts of a compound sentence: Tanya called the kitten? - briefly
A semicolon is used between the parts of a compound sentence such as "Tanya called the kitten; it came running."
What punctuation mark is used between the parts of a compound sentence: Tanya called the kitten? - in detail
To determine which punctuation mark is appropriate between the parts of a compound sentence, such as "Tanya called the kitten," we must first understand the structure and purpose of a compound sentence. A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so), a correlative conjunction (both...and, either...or, neither...nor), or simply by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
In the sentence "Tanya called the kitten," we are dealing with two independent clauses: "Tanya called" and "the kitten." These clauses can be joined by a variety of punctuation marks depending on the context in which they are used and the relationship between them.
The most common punctuation mark used to connect such independent clauses is the comma, especially when followed by a coordinating conjunction like 'and' or 'but.' For example: "Tanya called, and the kitten came running." The comma here serves to create a smooth transition between the two thoughts, indicating that both actions are related and sequential.
However, if the clauses are closely related in thought and action, and especially if they are short, a semicolon can be used for better clarity and emphasis: "Tanya called; the kitten responded instantly." The semicolon signals a stronger connection between the two parts of the sentence, highlighting their close relationship.
In some cases, particularly in formal writing or to avoid any potential ambiguity, a period can be used to separate the clauses into two distinct sentences: "Tanya called. The kitten responded instantly." This approach emphasizes the independence of each thought and can provide a clearer structure for complex ideas.
Therefore, while commas are commonly used between parts of a compound sentence, semicolons and periods can also be appropriate depending on the context and the level of formality required. The choice of punctuation mark should reflect the relationship between the clauses and the intended emphasis or flow of the sentence.