Commas and Semicolons 8th

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma is 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 a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, especially when the second clause explains or expands on the first.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence; it does not express a complete thought.

Front

How do you punctuate a list with items that contain commas?

Back

Use semicolons to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating dates?

Back

When writing a full date, place a comma after the day and before the year (e.g., 'On May 3, 2009, we went to the park.').

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to clarify meaning, separate ideas, and improve readability.

Front

How do you correct a run-on sentence?

Back

You can correct a run-on sentence by using a period, a semicolon, or a comma with a conjunction.