Introduction

Relevance of the Topic

Punctuation is a fundamental tool for structuring thought and, consequently, written language. Within this scenario, punctuation in compound sentences plays an extremely important role in the clarity, coherence, and expressiveness of ideas.

Mastering punctuation is essential for the student to become an efficient communicator. The proper use of punctuation marks allows for the creation of complex sentences, connection of ideas, and above all, expressiveness and intentionality in writing.

Therefore, studying this topic is not just a grammatical obligation, but an opportunity for the student to expand the expressiveness and variety of their discourse, thus qualifying their communication.

Contextualization

In the grammatical universe, punctuation is at the heart of syntax, alongside morphology and semantics. Within the Compound Sentence, a structure that houses two or more clauses, punctuation becomes even more fundamental.

By understanding the rules of punctuation in Compound Sentences, we connect elements from different clauses, creating a more complex, varied, and pleasant textual fabric. This is especially important in the Portuguese curriculum of the 2nd year of High School, as students already have a solid foundation of simple sentence structures and are now advancing to more complex uses of the language.

Moreover, these skills are required not only in Portuguese language classes but also in all areas of knowledge, since writing is an essential tool for learning and communication.

Mastering punctuation in Compound Sentences is, therefore, a crucial step for students' evolution in the study of the Portuguese language and for the enhancement of their language mastery.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Compound Sentence: It is the structure that gathers two or more clauses. The clauses can be independent (without a direct syntactic dependent) or dependent (which depend on another clause to have complete meaning).

  • Independent Clause: The one that has complete meaning by itself, can also be called a sentence. Even within the context of a Compound Sentence, where it is linked to other clauses, it maintains its autonomy.

  • Dependent Clause: The one that, within the Compound Sentence, has a syntactic dependency relationship with a main clause, to which it is subordinate.

• Punctuation Marks in Compound Sentences: The rules for using punctuation marks in Compound Sentences are mainly determined by the relationship of meaning between the clauses and the structure of the sentence. The signs we will focus on are: the comma, the semicolon, the colon, and the dash.

  • Comma (,): It is the most used sign in the punctuation of Compound Sentences, mainly to separate coordinated clauses, indicating a pause. It is also used to separate the advanced or displaced adverbial adjunct, the vocative, the explanatory apposition, the adversative conjunction, the anteposed participle, and the elements of an enumeration or sequence.

  • Semicolon (;): It has an intermediate use between the comma and the period. It can be used to separate clauses that already have an internal comma or to separate more complex clauses, composing a structure of intermediate dependency degree between the comma and the period.

  • Colon (:): Used to introduce an explanation, a quotation, an enumeration, or an example.

  • Dash (—): Used mainly to start a dialogue or character speech.

Key Terms

• Coordination: Relationship of parity between clauses, that is, independent clauses that are at the same level of importance within the sentence structure. The connection between coordinated clauses can be made through coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, however, etc.) or commas.

• Subordination: Relationship of hierarchy between clauses, where one clause is subordinate to another. The subordinate clauses can be substantive, adjectival, or adverbial, depending on the type of information they bring to the main clause.

Examples and Cases

• Example of Punctuation with Comma:

  • "We studied a lot, and, therefore, we were approved." - The comma, in this case, is used to separate the coordinated additive clauses and the displaced adverbial adjuncts.

• Example of Punctuation with Semicolon:

  • "We studied a lot; however, we were disapproved." - The semicolon, in this case, is used to separate two coordinated clauses that already have an internal comma.

• Example of Punctuation with Colon:

  • "She had a problem: she was very indecisive." - The colon, in this case, is used to introduce an explanation.

• Example of Punctuation with Dash:

  • "— I need help! — exclaimed the girl." - The dash is used, in this case, to indicate the girl's speech.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• Compound Sentence: The core of the study of punctuation, as it is where the majority of the rules addressed fit. It is important to distinguish independent clauses from dependent ones and understand their relationships in the period.

• Independent Clause: It is the one that has a complete meaning in itself, and can even be called a sentence. Even being within a period, it preserves its autonomy of meaning.

• Dependent Clause: In it, there is a syntactic dependency relationship with a main clause, needing it to have complete meaning.

• Punctuation marks in compound sentences: The use of punctuation marks varies according to the syntactic function they perform. Among the signs to be studied, the comma, the semicolon, the colon, and the dash stand out.

Conclusions

• Mastering punctuation is essential: Punctuation is a crucial linguistic tool for the clarity and expressiveness of thought. Therefore, its mastery is essential for effectiveness in written communication.
• Punctuation is a resource, not an obligation: As reading keys, punctuation marks guide the reader in interpreting the text. Hence the importance of using them appropriately, according to the author's intention.
• Punctuating is an art: Correct punctuation in compound sentences is a sign of linguistic proficiency, as the proper use of signs allows for the creation of more complex and varied syntactic structures, enriching the expression of thought.

Suggested Exercises

1. Separate the clauses and punctuate the following sentence appropriately: "The day was sunny which was rare in that city".
2. Correctly punctuate the sentence using comma, semicolon, colon, and dash: "Last night — it was raining — I went to the movies with my friends the movie was great".
3. Write two sentences using the same structure of coordinated clauses, but with different punctuations, highlighting the influence of punctuation on the interpretation of the text.