Commas and Semicolons

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 'and'?

Back

Use a comma before 'and' when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

A group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it has 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

Example of a sentence using a comma correctly.

Back

I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

Example of a sentence using a semicolon correctly.

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a list?

Back

To separate items to make the list clear and easy to read.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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