Commas, Semicolons, & Colons

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 do we use a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought.

Front

What is a colon?

Back

A colon is a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation.

Front

Example of a sentence using a comma.

Back

I like apples, oranges, and bananas.

Front

Example of a sentence using a semicolon.

Back

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

Front

Example of a sentence using a colon.

Back

There are three things I love: pizza, ice cream, and chocolate.

Front

What does a comma do in a list?

Back

A comma separates items in a list to make it clear that they are distinct.

Front

What is the purpose of a semicolon in a sentence?

Back

A semicolon links two related independent clauses without using a conjunction.

Front

How do you use a colon before a list?

Back

You place a colon before the list to indicate that what follows is an explanation or enumeration.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence.