Comma and Semicolon Usage

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

What is a semicolon?

Back

A punctuation mark used to connect closely related ideas or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

Use a comma before a conjunction (like 'and' or 'but') when it connects two independent clauses.

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, placing a comma between each item.

Front

What is the Oxford comma?

Back

The final comma in a list of three or more items, placed before 'and' or 'or'.

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a period?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

How do you use commas with introductory phrases?

Back

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