Grammar Post

I need to learn how to use commas and semicolons better. If I am joining 2 complete sentences, I need a comma and a conjunction. Tom read the novel, but his friend saw the movie. If I use a semicolon, I don't need a conjunction. Tom read the novel; his friend saw the movie. I can change the meaning by adding a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction. Tom read the novel; however, his friend saw the movie. But that is more complicated than it needs to be, so I will probably stick with commas and conjunctions.