TEST Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, Commas

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

A colon (:) is used to introduce a list, a quote, an explanation, or to separate two independent clauses when the second explains or illustrates the first.

A dash (—) is used to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence, often to set off additional information or an explanation.

Commas (,) are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, or set off non-essential information.

A semicolon connects two independent clauses without a conjunction, while a comma is used to separate elements within a sentence.

Example: "I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight."

Example: "She brought three things to the picnic: sandwiches, drinks, and dessert."

Dashes can be used to add emphasis or additional information, as in: "He was going to the party—if he finished his homework on time."

In a list, commas are used to separate items, and an optional Oxford comma can be placed before the conjunction in the last item.

A comma should be used before 'however' when it is used to connect two independent clauses.