punctuation

Front

What is punctuation?

Back

Punctuation refers to the marks used in writing that help clarify meaning and separate linguistic units. Common punctuation marks include periods, commas, semicolons, and question marks.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma?

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, or to set off non-essential information.

Front

When should a semicolon be used?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is 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 dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is punctuated with a comma before the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connects the independent clauses.

Front

What is the difference between a period and a semicolon?

Back

A period indicates the end of a sentence, while a semicolon connects two closely related independent clauses.

Front

What is a run-on sentence?

Back

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

Front

How can you correct a run-on sentence?

Back

You can correct a run-on sentence by adding a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is the function of a colon?

Back

A colon is used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation that follows.