grammar - Can a declarative, independent clause be considered an introductory element?


Consider this question:



Are you going to the birthday party?



I know that the following response can be punctuated correctly in at least two ways:



"I hope so. I have already bought a present."



and



"I hope so; I have already bought a present."



But I'm not sure about punctuating it like this:



"I hope so, I have already bought a present."



Although I would be inclined to write the third version without thinking, on reflection it seems possibly/probably incorrect. The only way that I can see it being considered correct is if "I hope so" can be considered an introductory element. Is this acceptable?




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