Grammar: Commas, colons, semicolons, & punctuation

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When should commas be used in a list?

Back

Commas should be used to separate three or more items in a list, e.g., apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should a semicolon be used?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related, e.g., "I like tea; my sister prefers coffee."

Front

What is a colon?

Back

A punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

When should a colon be used?

Back

Use a colon before a list or an explanation that follows an independent clause, e.g., "I need the following items: bread, milk, and eggs."

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The Oxford comma is the final comma in a list of items, placed before 'and' or 'or', e.g., "I bought apples, oranges, and bananas."

Front

What is the difference between a comma and a semicolon?

Back

A comma separates elements within a sentence, while a semicolon connects two independent clauses.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses, e.g., "I wanted to go; however, I was too tired."

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation.