Commas, Dashes, and Ellipses

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 dash?

Back

A punctuation mark used to indicate a break in thought or to set off additional information.

Front

What is an ellipsis?

Back

A punctuation mark consisting of three dots ( . . . ) used to indicate omitted text or an unfinished thought.

Front

When should you use a comma?

Back

Use a comma to separate items in a list, before conjunctions in compound sentences, and after introductory phrases.

Front

When should you use a dash?

Back

Use a dash to set off a phrase that adds extra information or to indicate a sudden break in thought.

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When should you use an ellipsis?

Back

Use an ellipsis to show that words have been omitted from a quotation or to indicate a pause or unfinished thought.

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Example of a sentence using a comma.

Back

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

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Example of a sentence using a dash.

Back

She was going to the party – if she finished her homework.

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Example of a sentence using an ellipsis.

Back

I was thinking... maybe we should wait.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a list?

Back

To separate individual items to clarify the meaning.