Commas and Semicolons

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 you use a comma before 'and'?

Back

Use a comma before 'and' when connecting two independent clauses.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A punctuation mark used to connect closely related independent clauses.

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related but not joined by a conjunction.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

How do you use commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause that precedes the main clause.

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon in a complex sentence?

Back

To clarify the relationship between two independent clauses that are closely related.

Front

Can you use a semicolon before a conjunction?

Back

No, a semicolon should not be used before a conjunction; use a comma instead.